Hobson's choice

noun Hob·son's choice \ˈhäb-sənz-\

: 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

Full Definition of HOBSON'S CHOICE

: an apparently free choice when there is no real alternative

: the necessity of accepting one of two or more equally objectionable alternatives

See Hobson's choice defined for English-language learners

Thomas Hobson †1631 English liveryman, who required every customer to take the horse nearest the door

First Known Use: 1649

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