snake oil

• Terme désignant un produit, un remède ou une idée frauduleusement présenté comme ayant des propriétés miraculeuses ; souvent utilisé pour décrire des solutions trompeuses ou inefficaces, notamment dans les domaines de la santé ou des affaires.

A term for a product, remedy, or idea that is fraudulently marketed as having miraculous benefits, often used to describe deceptive or ineffective solutions, especially in health or business contexts.

1. Fraudulent productB2informalamerican

   A product, especially a medicine or remedy, that is sold as effective but is actually fake or useless.

   remède de charlatan

   • The salesman was selling snake oil, claiming it cured all diseases.
   • Don't believe those ads; it's just snake oil.
   • Many weight-loss supplements are nothing but snake oil.

2. Deceptive marketingC1informalamerican

   Any type of deceptive or misleading promotion, especially in business or politics.

   Remède de charlatan

   • The politician's promises turned out to be snake oil.
   • The company's new product was just snake oil, with no real benefits.
   • He's a master of snake oil, convincing people to invest in scams.