Can someone explain "hands down" ?

[deftron]

I know it means unquestionably or no contest,

but what's with the hands reference?




Is it like raising your hand in class to ask a question?
Hands down = no question can be asked?

 

[Neurorelay]

Slapping your hands down in a emphasizing manner.

 

[Tylanner]

uncontested?

 

[mugs]

When your hands are down, they're protecting your junk. This is unquestionably the best place for them to be.

 

[FleshLight]

Hands down = "no question"

Usually someone raises their hands to ask a question.

 

[sobriquet]

From randomhouse.com:
"The hands-down origin of the word, however, is from horse racing. A hands-down victory is one that is so assured that a jockey can drop his hands and relax his grip on the reins as he approaches the line.

The phrase is first found in the late nineteenth century. The two earliest examples are literal references to horse races, which makes pretty clear the notion that this is the origin."