PhrasesHub

Hobson's choice

    Definitions

      • lack of choice
        Refers to a situation in which one is offered no real alternative or options

      • illusion of choice
        Implies a choice between two options, but in reality, there is only one feasible or acceptable choice

    Examples of Hobson's choice

    • "You can take this color or you can take no color at all."

      In this example, "Hobson's choice" refers to a situation where a person is given only two options, one of which is unpalatable or undesirable, leaving them with no real choice at all. In this case, the person is being offered only two color options, one of which might be undesirable or unappealing, leaving them with the other option as their only real choice.

    • "You can either work overtime or you can accept a lower pay raise."

      In this example, "Hobson's choice" refers to a situation where a person is given two unfavorable options, leaving them with no real choice. In this scenario, the person is being presented with a choice between working more hours or accepting a lower pay raise, leaving them with no real way to avoid a negative outcome.

    • "You can either fly out tonight or wait for the next available flight in three days."

      In this example, "Hobson's choice" refers to a situation where a person is given two undesirable options, leaving them with no real choice. In this scenario, the person is being presented with a choice between flying out tonight or waiting for three days, leaving them with no other real option available.

    • "You can either eat the last slice of pizza or go hungry."

      In this example, "Hobson's choice" refers to a situation where a person is given two unfavorable options, leaving them with no real choice. In this scenario, the person is being presented with a choice between eating the last slice of pizza or going hungry, leaving them with no other real option available.

    • The job opening in our company has been advertised as a "Hobson's choice" for all applicants.

      This means that the job is offered with no options whatsoever. The candidate has to either accept the job with the terms and conditions given or reject it entirely. In short, it's an "all-or-nothing" proposition.

    • The new restaurant near my house has a "Hobson's choice" for vegetarians.

      This implies that the restaurant only serves vegetarian dishes, and there are no meat options available. When you're presented with only vegetarian choices, it's essentially a "take it or leave it" matter.

    • After the merger, our company's policy has become a "Hobson's choice" for our employees.

      This indicates that the employees must accept the new company policy or terminate their employment. There's no room for negotiation or discussion regarding the policy.

    • My friend's wedding ceremony had a "Hobson's choice" for seating arrangements.

      This signifies that the guests had no say in where they were seated, and it was predetermined by the organizers. It's essentially a "take it or leave it" matter, as the guests had no other option besides accepting the assigned seat.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "Hobson's choice" is used to describe a situation where someone is presented with a false or limited choice. It can either mean having no real options or being given the illusion of choice when there is only one feasible option. This idiom is often used to emphasize the lack of alternatives in a given situation, highlighting the absence of genuine decision-making.

    In everyday language, "Hobson's choice" is employed to express the idea of being forced to accept a particular option, regardless of one's preferences or desires. It can also be used to convey the feeling of being stuck with a single, unappealing alternative, without any room for negotiation or compromise.

    Overall, the idiom "Hobson's choice" is used to emphasize the lack of genuine choice or the presence of a false dilemma, highlighting the absence of meaningful alternatives in a given situation.

    Origin of "Hobson's choice"

    The idiom "Hobson's choice" originated from the English stable owner Thomas Hobson, who lived in the 16th century. Hobson rented out horses and allowed customers to choose any horse they wanted, as long as it was the one nearest the stable door. This seemingly free choice was, in reality, quite limited, as it only offered the illusion of selection. Over time, the phrase "Hobson's choice" came to represent a situation in which one is presented with a false or restricted set of options, ultimately having no real choice at all. This idiom has since become a widely used expression in the English language, reflecting the concept of limited or illusory choice.