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

The belated follow-up to 1988's “Beetlejuice” owes much of its charm to its supporting cast, which is hands-down one of the most strikingly entertaining ensembles of the past decade.

From Salon

He is hands-down a progressive, even though he looks like central casting sent him to play “conservative grandpa,” though he’s only 60 — clearly a Minnesota 60 is an L.A.

From Los Angeles Times

With his hands-down, bouncing stance, Page delivered an array of strikes on Holland in the first round, including a big straight right hand, a body kick and a spinning back elbow.

From BBC

The hands-down favorite was from Seattle’s Rafael Brewer, 14, about the plight of the increasingly unreliable Washington State Ferries system.

From Seattle Times

But there were several that were absolutely persuasive beer experiences, and my hands-down favorite was the Run Wild IPA from Athletic Brewing.

From Washington Post

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