noun:
A choice without an alternative; the thing offered or nothing.
Fagan’s defense revolves around his insistence that he faced a Hobson’s choice and had to act.
– Laura Parker, “Discovery of daughters never followed by reunion”, USA Today, May 11, 1999The origin of the term Hobson’s choice is said to be in the name of one Thomas Hobson (ca. 1544-1631), at Cambridge, England, who kept a livery stable and required every customer to take either the horse nearest the stable door or none at all.
[I realize technically this is two words, but you can handle it, I think. And hey, this is your choice: take it or leave it!]
Have you heard of a Hobson’s choice? I love the origin of it (and how they show you the pronunciation of “choice”), too. It’s like Mommy’s choice: eat this hot cereal for breakfast or get nothing at all. Wear this last pair of clean pants or nothing (dangerous choice here, as Kid loves the naked option….).
For a more sober example, take this demotion or be out of work. I believe a few bank employees around here have this Hobson’s choice.
Have you had any Hobson’s choice lately?
Come join the Let the dog in! gang on Facebook and Twitter!!
Post Footer automatically generated by Add Post Footer Plugin for wordpress.
My current Hobson’s choice: Which lousy candidate to vote for? I can’t stand either of them, so basically I choose between Doofus #1 or Doofus #2.
Sorry to bring up politics. How ’bout this one instead (only a BIslander will appreciate it): McD’s or nothing.
Brookes last blog post..On Will
That’s okay. Hard to avoid politics lately… I’m sorta burned out on both of them, too. Or all 3 of them…
As for McD’s…see ya there, baby.