Hobson’s choice
noun /ˌhɒbsnz ˈtʃɔɪs/
/ˌhɑːbsnz ˈtʃɔɪs/
[uncountable]- a situation in which somebody has no choice because if they do not accept what is offered, they will get nothingMore Like This Expressions with people’s namesExpressions with people’s namesTopics Preferences and decisionsc2
- Aunt Sally
- Hobson’s choice
- Hooray Henry
- Houdini
- Jack the Lad
- Jack Robinson
- Jane Doe
- Joe Bloggs
- Joe Public
- Joe Sixpack
- John Bull
- John Doe
- John Hancock
- Johnny Reb
- PC Plod
- Uncle Sam
Word OriginFrom Tobias Hobson, a man who hired out horses in the 17th century. He gave his customers the choice of the horse nearest the stable door or none at all.