Hobson's choice

[ hob-suhnz ]

noun

1. the choice of taking either that which is offered or nothing; the absence of a real alternative.

Hobson's choice

/ ˈhɒbsənz /

noun

1. the choice of taking what is offered or nothing at all

Word History and Origins

Origin of Hobson's choice¹

1640–50; after Thomas Hobson (1544–1631), of Cambridge, England, who rented horses and gave his customer only one choice, that of the horse nearest the stable door

Word History and Origins

Origin of Hobson's choice¹

C16: named after Thomas Hobson (1544–1631), English liveryman who gave his customers no choice but had them take the nearest horse

Idioms and Phrases

An apparently free choice that actually offers no alternative. For example, My dad said if I wanted the car I could have it tonight or not at all—that's Hobson's choice . This expression alludes to Thomas Hobson of Cambridge, England, who rented horses and allowed each customer to take only the horse nearest the stable door. [Mid-1600s]