snow job

noun

, Slang.

1. an attempt to deceive or persuade by using flattery or exaggeration.

snow job

noun

1. slang.
   an instance of deceiving or overwhelming someone with elaborate often insincere talk

Word History and Origins

Origin of snow job¹

First recorded in 1940–45

Idioms and Phrases

An effort to deceive, persuade, or overwhelm with insincere talk. For example, Peter tried to give the officer a snow job about an emergency at the hospital but he got a speeding ticket all the same . This slangy expression, originating in the military during World War II, presumably alludes to the idiom snow under .

Example Sentences

The federal government’s coronavirus spending spree turned out to be a snow job — literally.

From Washington Times

David J. Garrow, a Pulitzer-winning historian, told The Post that Mr. Booker’s flattering accounts of the FBI were “one of the most hilarious snow jobs in American history.”

From Washington Post

Occasionally he loses patience, especially when he thinks the person is trying to give him “a snow job.”

From Washington Times

If that is true, one of their best allies in the snow job is Edith herself.

From Washington Post

I want a ‘bark-off’ study — no snow job — on my desk in two weeks as to what the reason for the failure is.”

From Washington Post