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

More About Hands-down

What does hands-down mean?

Hands-down describes something that is easy, as in Our team had a hands-down win, not even breaking a sweat.

Hands-down also describes something that is guaranteed, as in Hands-down, that was the hardest test so far this year! 

Example: Our home team would win against yours hands-down.

Where does hands-down come from?

The first records of the term hands-down are from around 1865. It combines the words hands and down. Hands-down was originally used in horse racing, in which the jockey of a horse in the lead by a wide margin may drop their reins and hold their hands at their sides.

Hands-down is normally used when a person believes strongly that someone or something will succeed beyond a reasonable doubt. Sports fans who believe their teams cannot lose often use it. It’s also used as a synonym for undeniably when referencing the quality of something, as in This is hands-down the best song in this album. 

While hands-down might be reserved for cases when something is extremely likely or undeniable, it is often used to show enthusiastic belief instead.

Did you know … ?

What are some other forms related to hands-down?

• hands down (alternative spelling)

What are some synonyms for hands-down?

• easily
• certainly
• easy

What are some words that share a root or word element with hands-down? 

• hand
• down

What are some words that often get used in discussing hands-down?

• best
• undeniably
• secure
• victory
• win

How is hands-down used in real life?

Hands-down is often used in discussions about the quality of two things when one is clearly superior to the other.

Today's #wherewegoingtodaymark is hands down the best one yet! Chicago baby! #soldierfield

— Niall Horan (@NiallOfficial) August 29, 2014

Stipe is hands down the greatest heavyweight of all time. I have nothing else to say

— BONY (@JonnyBones) August 18, 2019

Oiii Champagne Papi blew my mind tonight! Best production I’ve ever seen hands down and way up there with one of my favorite shows of all time. Huge love ❤️

— Adele (@Adele) October 13, 2018

 

 

Try using hands-down!

Which of the following is NOT a synonym for hands-down?

A. guaranteed
B. uncertain
C. definite
D. wholly