hands-down

[ handz-doun ]

adjective

1. easy:

   a hands-down victory.

2. certain:

   a book destined to be a hands-down bestseller.

Word History and Origins

Origin of hands-down¹

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

Hands-down the best music video in years—and one of the best ever.

From The Daily Beast

So, in the long struggle between war and the animal video, the animal video wins hands down.

From The Daily Beast

If there was a contest between Justin and, say, Usher, Usher would win hands down.

From The Daily Beast

He urged President Obama “to put the Quran down” and come out of the White House with his hands down, or up.

From The Daily Beast

Plane Crash “Seattle Grace Mercy West” is hands down the unluckiest hospital in the world.

From The Daily Beast

I stepped forward, came close behind him where he sat, and suddenly clapping my two hands down upon his shoulders—“Ah!”

From Project Gutenberg

Now then, bring your hands down slow, and keep 'em close together.

From Project Gutenberg

All had their hands down but one, whose arms were up over his head.

From Project Gutenberg

Looking in the pink of condition, Chalk came out for the first event, one mile, and won hands down by several lengths.

From Project Gutenberg

I entered the boat and it was rowed swiftly by unseen hands down the stream.

From Project Gutenberg