snake oil noun
[noncount] chiefly US, informal + disapproving : something that is sold as medicine but that is not really useful or helpful in any way
▪ snake oil remedies — often used figuratively ▪ He thinks politicians are just a bunch of snake oil salesmen. [=dishonest people]
▪ snake oil remedies — often used figuratively ▪ He thinks politicians are just a bunch of snake oil salesmen. [=dishonest people]
