English Reference
Idiom idiom

hands down


without much effort; easily

Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.


SIMPLE

“She is hands down the best player on the team.”

CONTEXTUAL

“After comparing all the options, he decided that the blue car was hands down the better choice.”

COMPLEX

“Although several candidates possessed impressive credentials, the panel agreed that she was hands down the most qualified person for the leadership position.”


See hand down.


Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    catch hands

    To take a punch; to get hit, especially with the hand or fist.

  2. 02

    change hands

    To become the property of someone else; to be bought or sold.

  3. 03

    clap one's hands red

    To clap or applaud intensely.

  4. 04

    clean hands

    Freedom from guilt, especially from the guilt of dishonesty in money matters, or of bribe-taking.

  5. 05

    dishpan hands

    Hands which are rough, reddish, and dry, as from irritation and chafing caused by immersion in hot water mixed with detergent.

  6. 06

    extra pair of hands

    The assistance of another person.

  7. 07

    fall into the wrong hands

    To become the possession of, or be discovered by, an unfriendly third party.

  8. 08

    find one's ass with both hands and a flashlight

    Synonym of know one's ass from a hole in the ground.

Last updated August 10, 2026