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A Hobson's choice is a free choice in which only one thing is actually offered. The term is often used to describe an illusion that multiple choices are available. The best known Hobson's choice is "I'll give you a choice: take it or leave it", wherein "leaving it" is strongly undesirable.
When the only options are either accept what is offered or refuse it, we have ‘Hobson’s choice’. The expression is effectively the same as ‘take it or leave it’. The expression is best known in the UK, but became used worldwide following the successful eponymous 1954 film starring Charles Laughton.
To correct the situation, Hobson began a strict rotation system, giving each customer the choice of taking the horse nearest the stable door or none at all. This rule became known as Hobson's choice, and soon people were using that term to mean "no choice at all" in all kinds of situations.
Aug 28, 2014 · the choice is between taking what is being offered to you or getting nothing at all; an obviously free choice that actually offers no other alternative; Example Sentences. This is the dirtiest hotel that I have ever slept in! It is this room or out on the street, it’s Hobson’s choice. If you want to wear a red dress to the dance it’s ...
Hobson's Choice: Directed by David Lean. With Charles Laughton, John Mills, Brenda de Banzie, Daphne Anderson. Widower Henry Hobson refuses to let his three daughters get married because he doesn't want to pay settlements, so they'll just have to outsmart him.
Hobson's choice definition: 1. a situation in which it seems that you can choose between different things or actions, but there…. Learn more.
Aug 19, 2007 · One of these expressions is Hobson’s choice. It often is used to describe a difficult choice. But that is not what it really means. Its real meaning is to have no choice at all.
Britannica Dictionary definition of HOBSON'S CHOICE. [count] : a situation in which you are supposed to make a choice but do not have a real choice because there is only one thing you can have or do. He jokingly referred to dinner as a Hobson's choice between soup and salad or salad and soup.
The famous phrase 'Hobson's choice' can be traced back to a Cambridge carrier who operated a livery stable delivering mail and providing transport to and from London in the early 17th century.
Jun 3, 2024 · Hobson's choice. [ mainly British] a decision which forces you to choose between two things which are both bad, and so you cannot possibly be happy. They want rid of him, he is irreplaceable. It really is Hobson's choice for them. Hell with him, or Hell without him.
