Win hands down

Idiomatic Phrase
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

An idiom meaning to win easily, decisively, or without effort, referencing hand positions in card games where showing cards early indicates undeniable superiority and victory.

Detailed Definition
Win hands down means to win easily, decisively, and without serious competition. In poetry, the idiom can describe contests of beauty, wit, courage, sport, argument, or affection. Its possible racing origin suggests victory achieved with such ease that the rider need not keep full control. A poet may use it admiringly, boastfully, or ironically when certainty proves premature. The phrase is useful for exploring superiority, confidence, rivalry, and the social pleasure or danger of effortless triumph.
Example
Example in poetry:
A contest poem might show the quiet singer winning hands down against louder rivals; In satire, truth wins hands down once the figures are read aloud; The phrase means to win easily and clearly; A poet can use it for decisive victory.
Additional Notes
Win hands down means win easily, with little effort or opposition. The phrase may come from horse racing, where a jockey could lower the hands when victory was certain. In poetry, it can describe contests, arguments, beauty, elections, or comic comparisons. Students should notice that ease is central: triumph arrives without visible strain. It pairs well with races, applause, odds, confidence, and the danger of complacency before the finish.
Also Known As
easily
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