student asking question

What does "hands down" mean? Is it different from "hand down"?

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

"Hand down" and "hands down" mean two different things. The phrase "hands down" means for sure, without question. Ex: This is hands down the best food I've ever had. "Hand down" describes passing something down to someone behind you. Ex: My older sister could "hand down" her clothes to me that she isn't wearing anymore. Ex: The clothes I received would be called "hand-me-downs".

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