Q19
EnglishIdioms, Phrasal Verbs & Proverbs
Select the correct meaning of the idiom underlined below: We didn't really want that particular hotel, but it was a case of Hobson's Choice.
- a.state of dilemma
- b.taking what is available or nothing at all
- c.teacher's choice
- d.economical
Answer: (B) taking what is available or nothing at all
'Hobson's choice' is no real choice at all: take what is offered or get nothing. It comes from Thomas Hobson, a Cambridge stable-keeper who made customers take the horse nearest the door or none. It is not a 'dilemma', which is a difficult choice between two alternatives ('on the horns of a dilemma'). Compare 'Catch-22' (a no-win situation created by contradictory rules).