HOBSON’S CHOICE
This is a choice without an alternative; either you take what is offered, or you get nothing. Thomas Ward (1577-1639) wrote the following lines in his book, “England’s Reformation.” “Where to elect there is but one, ’Tis Hobson’s Choice—take that or none.” Sir Richard Steele explained and probably immortalised the expression in the October 14, 1792, issue of “The Spectator.” “Mr Tobias Hobson, from whom we have the expression . . . was a carrier ... the first of this island who let out hackney-horses. He lived in Cambridge, and observing that the scholars rid hard, his manner was to keep a large stable of horses, with boots, bridles and whips. . t
When a man came for an horse, he was led into the stable, where there was great choice, but he obliged him to take the horse which stood next to the stable door; so that every customer was alike well served according to his chance, and every horse ridden with the same justice. From whence it became a proverb, when what d'ught to be your election was forced upon you* to say Hobson’s Choice.” >
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/BPB19470915.2.14
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Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 11, Issue 80, 15 September 1947, Page 4
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184HOBSON’S CHOICE Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 11, Issue 80, 15 September 1947, Page 4
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