He won the election very easily.
Which of the following idiomatic expressions is suitable for the underlined words in the above sentence ?

The correct answer is Option D (hands down).

Key Points:
• This question evaluates the candidate's knowledge of English Idioms, a core vocabulary component in MPSC examinations. Correctly replacing literal adverbs with idioms enhances expressive language skills.
• Option 4 is the correct answer according to the official MPSC answer key. The idiom 'hands down' means easily, without any doubt, or effortlessly. It perfectly substitutes the phrase 'very easily' in the context of winning an election.
• Let us analyze why the other options are incorrect. Option 1 ('hands up') is a command to surrender. Option 2 ('hand in hand') means holding hands or working closely together. Option 3 ('by the hand') is a literal phrase meaning to physically guide or lead someone. None of these convey the meaning of an effortless victory.
• A common MPSC trap is grouping idioms that share the same root word (e.g., 'hand') to confuse candidates who haven't fully memorized the distinct meanings.
• Memorizing idioms in context rather than in isolation ensures higher accuracy.
• Key Takeaway: Remember: To win 'hands down' means to win very easily and without any significant effort or competition.