Henry Horatio Hobson
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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.
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.
Hobson's choice is a phrase that means no real choice at all, only accept or refuse. It may have come from a 17th century horse dealer named Thomas Hobson, but there are other theories and alternative expressions.
Hobson's choice definition: 1. a situation in which it seems that you can choose between different things or actions, but there…. Learn more.
Hobson's Choice is a 1954 British romantic comedy film directed by David Lean. It is based on the 1916 play of the same name by Harold Brighouse. It stars Charles Laughton in the role of Victorian bootmaker Henry Hobson, Brenda de Banzie as his eldest daughter and John Mills as a timid employee.
Hobson's choice. A choice that represents no choice at all; an enforced decision. The term supposedly originated with the practice of a Cambridge, England, carrier named Thomas Hobson (1544–1631), who insisted that his customers take whichever horse was nearest the stable door.
Meaning: A Hobson's choice is something that appears to be a free choice, but is really no choice as there is no genuine alternative. Country: International English | Subject Area: Person's name | Usage Type: Both or All Words Used. Contributor: Isabel connors.
