hands down
Meaning: Easily; without question.
Language: English
Literally: (Already vivid in English)
Example: “It's hands down the best pizza in town.”
Category: Animals
Origin: From horse racing: a jockey sure of winning could relax and lower his hands on the reins. The phrase is found from the 19th century.
Equivalents in other languages
- French: Sans coup férir — literally: Without striking a blow
More idioms — Animals
- a little bird told me — I learned it from a secret source I won't name.
- snug as a bug in a rug — Very warm and comfortable.
- champ at the bit — To be impatient to start.
- one swallow does not make a summer — One good sign does not mean things will continue that way.
- walk into the lion's den — To go deliberately into a dangerous or hostile place.
- an old sea dog — An experienced old sailor.
More English idioms
- like a bolt from the blue — Completely unexpected, usually of bad news.
- set one's cap at — To try to attract someone as a romantic partner (dated).
- the big leagues — The highest, most competitive level of an activity.
- rich as Croesus — Extremely wealthy.
- everyone's a critic — A wry reply to unwanted criticism: it is easy to find fault.
- the pitcher goes to the well once too often — Repeated risk-taking eventually ends in disaster.
From our proverbs
- A plant often removed cannot thrive. — Constant uprooting prevents deep roots and steady growth, whether literal or metaphorical.
- A smart reproof is better than smooth deceit. — Honest criticism that stings teaches growth, while flattery disguised as kindness poisons…
- A story never loses by re-telling. — Repeated tellings enhance a story's impact through familiar enjoyment and accumulated det…