PhrasesHub

Pure as the driven snow

    Definitions

      • to emphasize someone's purity and innocence
        To describe someone who is morally pure and untainted by wrongdoing or corruption

      • to highlight something that is pristine and untouched
        To describe something that is clean, fresh, and unspoiled

    Examples of Pure as the driven snow

    • The snow on the mountain peaks was pure as the driven snow, untouched by any pollution or impurities.

      The idiom "pure as the driven snow" is used to describe something that is completely pure and uncontaminated, much like the snow that has been driven or packed by the wind, which appears incredibly white and pristine due to the absence of any impurities.

    • The new employee was pure as the driven snow, with no prior experience or baggage that could hinder her performance.

      In this example, "pure as the driven snow" is used to describe someone who is completely innocent, inexperienced, or untainted by negative influences.

    • The water in the mountain river was pure as the driven snow, filtered by the rocks and minerals as it flowed through the mountains.

      Here, the idiom is used to describe the quality of the water as being completely pure and uncontaminated, much like the snow that has been driven through cold, crisp mountain air, filtering out any impurities.

    • The doctor assured the patient that their test results were pure as the driven snow, indicating that their health was in excellent condition.

      Here, "pure as the driven snow" is used to describe something that is perfect, flawless, or free from any negative factors, in this case, the results of a medical test.

    • The snow that fell overnight was pure as the driven snow, leaving a pristine blanket of white over the ground.

      This idiom is used to describe something as completely clean or unsoiled. "Driven snow" refers to snow that has been compacted by the wind, making it appear whiter and purer than freshly fallen snow. Using this idiom in this context highlights the untouched and unspoiled nature of the snowfall.

    • The newborn baby's skin was pure as the driven snow, a testament to the mother's healthy pregnancy and the infant's lack of exposure to the outside world.

      Here, the idiom is employed to describe something as unsullied and innocent, in this case, a newborn baby. Due to the baby's pristine skin, it's clear that the baby hasn't been exposed to environmental pollutants, germs, or toxins, making the newborn's skin pure as it was when the baby was conceived.

    • The company's accounting records were pure as the driven snow, verified by a team of auditors who reviewed them meticulously.

      Using this idiom in this context helps convey the immaculate nature of the company's financial records. The idiom suggests that the financial records passed the audit process without any discrepancies, implying that the financial records are as pristine and clean as driven snow.

    • The detective was determined to find the real perpetrator, as the alibi of the accused was as pure as the driven snow.

      This example shows how the idiom is used to indicate that the alibi presented by the accused is unassailable and trustworthy, much like pure snow that hasn't been contaminated by anything. The fact that the detective is skeptical despite the alibi being as pure as driven snow further highlights the idiom's versatility, as it can be used to describe something as genuine and clear even in the face of doubt or suspicion.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "pure as the driven snow" is used to describe someone who is believed to be completely innocent and untainted by any wrongdoing. It can also be used to describe something that is clean and untouched. It is often used in a positive and admiring way to express the purity and innocence of a person or thing.

    This idiom is commonly used in literature and everyday speech to praise someone's character or to describe something that is exceptionally clean and fresh. It is a vivid and picturesque way of conveying the idea of purity and innocence.

    Origin of "Pure as the driven snow"

    The origin of the idiom "pure as the driven snow" can be traced back to the imagery of snow in literature and culture. Snow has long been associated with purity and cleanliness, as it is white and untouched. The phrase "driven snow" refers to snow that has been blown by the wind into drifts, further emphasizing its purity and freshness.

    The idiom has been used in various forms in literature, with early references dating back to the 17th century. It has since become a well-known and widely used phrase in the English language, conveying a strong sense of innocence and purity. The imagery of the "driven snow" continues to evoke the idea of something unspoiled and untainted, making the idiom a powerful and evocative expression.