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.”

CEFR level