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

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

And we know it’s not really a Hobson’s choice, but it made us laugh anyway.

From The Wall Street Journal • Aug. 3, 2016

To him is also ascribed the phrase Hobson's choice, from his custom of refusing to let out his horses except in strict rotation.

From The Romance of Words (4th ed.) by Weekley, Ernest