Hobson's choice

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“In some ways, practices might be facing a Hobson’s choice, where they are damned if they do and they are damned if they don’t.”

From Slate • Mar. 17, 2026

He laments the use of fixed penalty notices, in which offenders are offered the Hobson’s choice of paying minor fines or fighting criminal offenses for a litany of “anti-social behaviors.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 2, 2026

Former acting Solicitor General Neal Kaytal said the ex-president will face a "Hobson's choice" to either answer questions or invoke his Fifth Amendment rights.

From Salon • Nov. 6, 2023

They are caught off guard by the sudden change, and then face a Hobson’s choice — a choice where only one option is realistically feasible.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 7, 2023

I know you don't approve of that; but it is a case of Hobson's choice with me, and heaps of people do it,' she said, turning to Stella.

From A City Schoolgirl And Her Friends by Baldwin, May