Meaning of Hobson's choice | Babel Free

Definitions

1. A situation where a person is presented with the illusion of a free choice, but in reality there is only one option available: accepting the offer or having nothing at all.
   idiomatic
2. A choice between several undesirable options; Sophie's choice.
   broadly, idiomatic
3. The voice.
   Cockney, slang

Equivalents

Examples

“A man is ſaid to have Hobſons''' choice given him, vvhen he muſt either take vvhat is left him, or chooſe vvhether he vvill have any part or no.”

“Several other marriages took place, the scarcity of subjects making it somewhat hazardous to delay: when Hobson's choice is placed before one, deliberation is of no great use.”

“In other words, they might go to the devil and starve—Hobson's choice!—for all the other factories were owned by men who offered no better terms.”

“This Hobson’s choice is the beating heart of "Raymond Carver: A Writer's Life." Any writer might wonder what he'd do in such a case.”

“Such Hobson's choices are the stuff of high drama, but unfortunately for poor, lovely Lebanon it is a tragedy that never seems to end.”

“"Hobson's Choice." He was still stroking Radar, long glides of his hand from nape to tail. "In the end, it seems to me that one or two good months are better than six bad ones. If it works at all, that is."”

“He's claiming copyright on his hobson's. / I beg your pardon. / His hobson's choice—his voice.”

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