What does 'hands down' mean when you say it?
The phrase ‘hands down’ denotes “easily and decisively’. Alternately, it may also denote “smoothly” or “readily”. Let’s consider this example. Bhatnagar won hands down. In other words, the phrase may also mean, “without much effort (easily) and without question.
Where does the expression 'hands down' come from?
The true source, according to the Oxford English Dictionary, is horse racing. The earliest examples of the phrase come from 19th century sporting papers where horses win races “hands down,” meaning that victory is so secure that the jockey can relax and drop the reins before crossing the finish line.
What does "hands down" come from?
The phrase hands down comes from horse racing, as explained by The Phrase Finder: Jockeys need to keep a tight rein in order to encourage their horse to run. Anyone who is so far ahead that he can afford to slacken off and still win he can drop his hands and loosen the reins - hence winning 'hands down'.
What does all hands down mean?
Meaning: The phrase ‘ hands down ‘ is an idiom that means easily, definitely; without question. Example: I ate chocolate lava cake for the first time and it was hands down the best dessert I’ve eaten. In other words, it was without a doubt the best. Synonyms / Similar Sayings: 1.
Why does hands down mean?
Without question; absolutelyHands Down Meaning Definition: Without question; absolutely; without effort. This phrase is typically used to give emphasis when expressing an opinion.
How do you use the phrase hands down?
The phrase 'hands down' is an idiom that means easily, definitely; without question. Example: I ate chocolate lava cake for the first time and it was hands down the best dessert I've eaten. In other words, it was without a doubt the best.
Where did the saying hands down?
The origin of this colloquialism seems to have its roots in mid-19th century horseracing. When a horse jockey is nearing the finish line far ahead of the competition, "with victory certain", he could drop his hands, relaxing his hold on the reins, and "still win the race".
What does won hands down mean?
to win very easilyto win very easily. SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases.
What does two hands down mean?
| Usage. The idiom hands down has two meanings: (1) winning with ease or with little or no effort, and (2) without a doubt. The first definition is the original. It comes from horse racing and refers to a jockey dropping his hands toward the end of a race when victory appears certain.
What's another word for handed down?
What is another word for handed down?hereditaryinheritedwilledbequeathedfamilyancestralhanded-downpassed-downpassed-ontraditional23 more rows
What does eating humble pie mean?
to admit that one was wrongDefinition of eat humble pie : to admit that one was wrong or accept that one has been defeated They had to eat humble pie when the rumors they were spreading were proved false.
What does it mean to be as sick as a dog?
very sickDefinition of sick as a dog informal. : very sick.
Where does the phrase by and large come from?
By and large is originally a sailing term meaning "alternately close-hauled and not close-hauled." A ship that is sailing "close-hauled" is sailing as directly into the wind as possible (typically within about 45 degrees of the wind).
What does going overboard mean?
to do too much of somethingDefinition of go overboard : to do something in a way that is excessive or extreme : to do too much of something She went overboard with the decorations.
Is hand in hand an idiom?
Hand in hand is an idiom that is used to say that two people or things are very closely connected or related. Here are some example sentences with hand in hand: In a film, the images and sounds go hand in hand. The chef works hand in hand with a nutritionist.
What does it mean to hold the reins in a horse race?
Most sources cite horse races as the origin of this expression. Jockeys typically hold the reins tightly during a race, unless they are very far ahead and are certain to win. When they are far ahead, they may relax their hands and put them into the hands down position.
What does it mean when an announcer says a jockey won a race?
Therefore, an announcer might say that a jockey won a race hands down. This means that the jockey won easily, far enough ahead of the others so that there was no question and no doubt about the win.
What does "hand down" mean?
hand down. 1. To hand something to someone who is physically below oneself. A noun or pronoun can be used between "hand" and "down.". While you're on the stepstool, can you hand down the cake mix from the top shelf? 2.
Where did the expression "hands down" come from?
All of these expressions originated in sports. Hands down, dating from the mid-1800s, comes from horse racing, where jockeys drop their hands downward and relax their hold when they are sure to win.
What does "hands down" mean in horse racing?
Easily, decisively, or without question. The term originates from horse racing, in which jockeys assured of a victory may lower their hold on the reins in the final stretch. This is the best pie I've ever had, hands down! We were really unprepared for our last game, and the other team won hands down.
Where does the term "she won the nomination hands down" come from?
Easily, without effort. The term comes from racing, where a jockey may drop his hands and relax his hold on the reins when he is sure to win the race. Dating from the mid-nineteenth century, the term still is used with regard to various kinds of competition, as in, “She won the nomination hands down.”
What does "walk" mean in sports?
Also, in a breeze; in a walk. Easily, without effort, as in She won the election hands down, or They won in a breeze, 10-0, or The top players get through the first rounds of the tournament in a walk. All of these expressions originated in sports.
When was the word "hands down" first used?
The first known use of hands down dates back to the year 1853 in the meaning defined above. Quora User. , Novelist, editor, lover of words. Answered 1 year ago · Author has 7.9K answers and 4.3M answer views. It is idiomatic and means “without doubt” or “completely”.
What does "hand down" mean in horse racing?
The phrase ‘hand down' means to win easily and decisively. It comes from horse-racing originally and meant the jockey had won easily with his hands down in a relaxed position and not needing to push the horse hard to make the finishing post. 55 views. ·.
What does "five years down the line" mean?
The phrase “five years down the line" is an idiomatic expression that means “in five years” or “in five years' time”. Here are some other phrases that have the same meaning: Five years from now. Five years later. Five years in the future. After five years have passed.
What does "coming down the pike" mean?
What do these phrases mean? It should be “coming down the pike,” although “coming down the ‘pipe’” is also logical. The word “pike” is short for “turnpike.”. A toll road was called a “turnpike” because a barrier shaped like a spear or “pike” would be turned aside to permit passage after the toll was paid.
What does "he is hands down the best surgeon for the operation you need" mean?
It means “without a doubt” or “absolutely.”. If you say, “He is hands down the best surgeon for the operation you need” it means that the person saying it has no doubt that surgeon is the best. 60 views.
What does "hand down" mean in class?
If you’re in class, it could literally mean put your hand down (if it’s raised) if your professor is saying it. Idiomatically, it’s generally used to express emphasis especially when saying something is the worst or the best. Examples: That was the best meal I’ve ever eaten hands down.
Why is it called a "turnpike"?
A toll road was called a “turnpike” because a barrier shaped like a spear or “pike” would be turned aside to permit passage after the toll was paid.
What does "hands down" mean?
hands down. 1. Used when talking about whether something is easily the best. 2. When a team or a player of any sport wins something with very little effort/easily. 1. Shigeru Miyamoto is hands down the best game designer ever. 2. The Yankees would beat the Red Sox hands down.
What is the song from Dashboard confessionals?
A song from Dashboard Confessionals album, 'A Mark, a Mission, a Brand, a Scar.'. It is an amazing song, yet because of this, it's the Dashboard song that everyone knows, even if they don't listen to Dashboard at all...and then they think that they're huge fans.
What does "hands down" mean in horse racing?
The earliest examples of the phrase come from 19th century sporting papers where horses win races “hands down,” meaning that victory is so secure that the jockey can relax and drop the reins before crossing the finish line. In 1832, the expression was literal: “Independence … won with hands down.”. By 1853, it was metaphorical (note ...
What does "put your hands down because there's no need to vote" mean?
The true source, according to the Oxford English Dictionary, is horse racing.
