3 Answers

ANSWERE:

To win hands down has nothing to do with placing a winning hand of cards face down.  Instead, the expression comes from the earliest days of horseracing.  If a horse had proven its superiority and was approaching the finish line well ahead of the rest of the pack, the jockey would release the reins, giving the animal free reign to the finish.  He therefore would win the race "hands down."

 

12 years ago. Rating: 2
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I think this is possibly the answer:  When there is a question of who is the winner, or when something is put to a vote, there is a "show of hands".  The "hands up" are counted for each contestant or issue.  The one with the most "hands up" is the winner.  "Hands up" is a show of support in a situation where not all would be in agreement.

When there is no doubt as to the winner, there is no need for "hands up".  Thus the expression, "hands down".

 

12 years ago. Rating: 1
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Any guesses, you all?

12 years ago. Rating: 1
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