Hobson's choice Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈhɑbsənz/ /ˈtʃɔɪs

HOB-sunz CHOYS

UK

ˈhɒbsənz/ /tʃˈɔɪs

HOB-sunz CHOYS

Definition

A situation where you can only accept what is offered or have nothing at all; it appears to be a choice, but there is actually only one real option.

Usage & Nuances

Mainly used in formal and written English, sometimes humorously. Not a true idiom for 'difficult choice'—it means no real choice at all. Common with terms like 'it was a Hobson's choice' or 'faced with a Hobson's choice'. Don't confuse with 'Sophie’s choice' (a very hard decision).

• Spanish: la alternativa de Hobson - no tener verdadera opción
• Portuguese (BR): escolha de Hobson - ausência de escolha real
• Portuguese (PT): escolha de Hobson - ausência de escolha real
• Chinese (Simplified): 霍布森的选择 - 没有真正选择权
• Chinese (Traditional): 霍布森的選擇 - 沒有真正選擇權
• Hindi: नकली विकल्प - हाब्सन की चॉइस
• Arabic: خيار هوبسون - خيار بدون خيار حقيقي
• Bengali: হবসনের পছন্দ - প্রকৃত কোনো বিকল্প না থাকা
• Russian: выбор Хобсона - отсутствие настоящего выбора
• Japanese: ホブソンズ・チョイス - 実質的な選択肢がないこと
• Vietnamese: lựa chọn Hobson - không có sự lựa chọn thực sự
• Korean: 홉슨의 선택 - 진짜 선택권 없음
• Turkish: Hobson'un seçimi - gerçek bir seçenek olmaması
• Urdu: ہوبسن کا انتخاب - حقیقی انتخاب کی عدم موجودگی
• Indonesian: pilihan Hobson - tidak ada pilihan sungguhan

Example Sentences

He was given a Hobson's choice: accept the job or get nothing.

basic

Staying or leaving was a Hobson's choice for her.

basic

It felt like a Hobson's choice, not a real decision.

basic

Honestly, it was a Hobson's choice—I either signed the contract or lost the apartment.

natural

My boss made it sound like I had options, but it was a Hobson's choice in reality.

natural

Don’t be fooled—it’s just a Hobson's choice disguised as a favor.

natural