Hobson's Choice (Noun)
Meaning
The choice of taking what is offered or nothing at all.
Classification
Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents.
Examples
- The company offered the town a deal: accept the new factory with all its environmental concerns, or get nothing - a classic Hobson's choice.
- The airline presented passengers with a Hobson's choice: fly economy class or don't fly at all.
- When her boss said "take the paycut or quit", she felt she had no choice but to accept - it was a Hobson's choice.
- The store's last sale was a Hobson's choice: buy the old model or go without, as they were discontinuing the product line.
- The government's austerity measures left many families with a Hobson's choice: live on reduced benefits or go without support altogether.