Weather idioms

Be pure as the driven snow

This expression means that someone is morally good.  

Here’s an example of how to use this phrase: Most children are born not knowing evil and are not interested in doing wrong. In other words, they’re usually pure as the driven snow.  
 
Be snowed under (with)

This phrase means that a person has so much of something, such as work or problems, that he’s having trouble handling his situation. 

Here’s how to use this expression: Pete was already busy before his company laid off 5,000 of his colleagues. Now he’s snowed under with work.

Raining cats and dogs 
This phrase means that there’s a heavy and loud rainstorm.

Here’s how you might use this expression: “When I left the house, it wasn’t raining. But, later, it rained cats and dogs, and I got soaked.”

Snowball’s chance in hell

By definition, hell is a hot place. In contrast, snow falls when it’s cold and stays on the ground if the temperature remains that way. Are you wondering how snow could exist in a very warm spot—like hell or Miami? Quite simply, it can’t. 
 
Along the same lines, if an idea has a “snowball’s chance in hell,” that means it’s very unlikely, if not impossible. Here are two examples of how to use this expression: 
- “Mingna is a gorgeous young woman. She can go out with anyone she wants. You have a snowball’s chance in hell of her accepting your invitation to the party.” 
 
- “If management were to approve your proposal, they’d have to spend several million dollars over the coming year. Already, the CEO has announced that next year, the company will layoff thousands of workers. You have a snowball’s chance in hell of getting your idea approved. Why don’t you just give up?” 

Snow job

This phrase means an attempt to persuade, even deceive, someone by praising them or not telling them the truth about something.  

Here’s how to use this expression: “That sales clerk did a snow job on my friend. She told her that even though the pants she was trying on didn’t fit, she should buy them anyway because many others wanted to purchase these pants.”