Định Nghĩa và Ý Nghĩa của "Hobson's choice"

Hobson's choice

DANH TỪ

lựa chọn ép buộc, lựa chọn không còn lựa chọn

a choice made in a situation in which no other options were available

Formal

Idiom

What is the origin of the idiom "Hobson's choice" and when to use it?

The idiom "Hobson's choice" is derived from the name of Thomas Hobson, an English stable owner who operated in the 16th and 17th centuries. Hobson had a practice of offering customers the option of either taking the horse that was closest to the stable door or taking none at all. This limited choice was meant to ensure that his horses were used fairly and consistently. Over time, the phrase "Hobson's choice" came to represent situations where only one option is presented, essentially giving individuals no real choice or alternative.

Example

The company gave its employees a Hobson's choice: accept a pay cut or face immediate layoffs.

The politician presented voters with a Hobson's choice, claiming that they must support their party's candidate or risk their opposing party gaining power.

The restaurant had a limited menu, offering customers a Hobson's choice of only one dish for dinner.