Pure as the driven snow – meaning, origin and usage

Contrary to what you might be inclined to assume, the phrase “pure as the driven snow” does not refer to snow that has been driven over by a car.

This article is going to explain what the phrase means and how it originated, before going on to explain how the phrase tends to be used today, through the aid of example sentences. Then we’ll be rounding off with a discussion about similar and synonymous terms that can be used in its place.

Let’s get straight to it!

What’s the meaning of the term “pure as the driven snow”?

The phrase “pure as the driven snow” is an idiom and a metaphor. It is used to describe someone’s character and morality. It compares the person to clean and untrodden snow, symbolising moral purity and innocence. It emphasises their untained character and lack of wrongdoing.

Where does the phrase “pure as the driven snow” come from?

The phrase “pure as the driven snow” is a particularly old one, dating as far back as the plays of the famous playwright Willian Shakespeare. For example, in the play The Winters Tale, which came out in 1611, the character Autolycus says “Lawn as white as driven snow.”

Similarly, in the play Macbeth, released in 1605, the character Malcom says “Black Macbeth will seem as pure as snow”.

Likewise, in Act III, Scene 1 of Hamlet, Hamlet uses the phrase “pure as the driven snow” to mock Ophelia, implying that even if someone is seemingly virtuous, they will still face slander and bad reputation.

It is believed that by the phrase “driven snow” Shakespeare was referring to snow that has been blown into drifts and is untrodden and clean. This picture of white, untouched cleanliness has come to symbolise moral purity and innocence.

How you can use the phrase “pure as the driven snow” - featuring examples

The phrase “pure as the diven snow” is suitable for use in polite company, but that said it is still considered to be a casual term. Here are some example sentences using the phrase:

• “She was pure as the driven snow, always doing good deeds and never causing any trouble.”
• “He presented himself as pure as the driven snow, but his past told a different story.”
• “She’s not exactly as pure as the driven snow herself.”

The phrase can also be used in a sarcastic or ironic way, for example someone might say “He claims he’s pure as the driven snow, but I’ve seen him do some shady things.“

What are some other ways of saying “pure as the driven snow”?

If you don’t know how the phrase “pure as the driven snow” will bereceived, you’ll be pleased to hear that there are many words and sayings that can often be used in its place. Here are some examples:

• Pure
• Angelic
• Untouchable
• Squeaky clean
• Innocent
• Righteous
• Virtuous
• White as snow
• Clean as a whistle
• Whiter than white

Final word

So, to sum up, the phrase “pure as the driven snow” is an idiom that compares a person’s character and morality to drifts of clean, untrodden snow, Implying that their character is untainted with any smear of wrongdoing. The phrase dates back to Shakespearean times, when similar phrases were used by the bard himself.