snake oil

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But even though Goop once sold a $30 gem-infused “psychic vampire repellent” aromatherapy spray, Paltrow’s not a snake oil saleswoman — at least to me.

From Salon • Dec. 22, 2025

The movie works only because it's ruthless in its portrayal of the ego delusion that fuels so much of Silicon Valley's C-suites, as the tech industry enters its snake oil phase.

From Salon • Jun. 9, 2025

Then, these same brands dutifully patent an expensive snake oil antidote for poisoning you.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 24, 2024

But it’s not like personalized medicine is astrology or snake oil.

From Scientific American • Sep. 28, 2023

Two weeks after her burial, Rose’s husband arrived loaded with ingots of gold for the children, two-dollar pieces for the women and snake oil for the men.

From "Jazz" by Toni Morrison