pure as the driven snow

Questions

What does pure as the driven snow mean?

Extremely pure; totally pure (typically "pure" in the sense of "virtuous").

Where does pure as the driven snow come from?

According to Gary Martin, the term refers to "snow that has blown into drifts and is untrodden and clean". He also notes records of the similar phrase "white as driven snow" since 1611.

How to pronounce pure as the driven snow

1. Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “pure as the driven snow”.
2. Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling () so you know which sounds to aim for.
3. Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “pure as the driven snow”.
4. Repeat and practice — Say “pure as the driven snow” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.