Question

Choose the correct meaning of the given phrase.
"Hobson's choice"
A. Pleasant choice
B. The choice to die
C. The choice to live
D. With no choice at all
E. Garrulity

Answer 1

Hint: Hobson’s choice is a phrase which has a figurative and a nonliteral meaning.

Complete answer:
The phrase is supposed to have originated with Thomas Hobson who owned a stable. He offered his customers the choice of either taking the horse he had offered or to take nothing at all. It indicates a free choice in which only one thing is offered. As there is a probability to refuse what is offered, the two options are either to accept the thing or to refuse it.
Let us analyse the given options:
- “Pleasant choice” means a satisfying option.
For example: To purchase this dress was a pleasant choice.
We observe that it is not the correct meaning of the given phrase and hence, we can say that option ‘a’ is not the correct answer.
- “The choice to die” means the option to choose death.
For example: She exercised her choice to die over the choice to survive.
We observe that it is not the correct meaning of the given phrase and hence, we can say that option ‘b’ is not the correct answer.
- “The choice to live” means the option to remain alive.
For example: The patient expressed his choice to live, to the doctor.
We observe that it is not the correct meaning of the given phrase and hence, we can say that option ‘c’ is not the correct answer.
- “With no choice at all” means having no other option.
For example: I was left with no choice at all but to buy the toy car.
We observe that it is the correct meaning of the given phrase as there are no variable options but to accept or refuse. Hence, we can say that option ‘d’ is the correct answer.
- Garrulity means to be extremely talkative.
For example: Garrulity is a quality which seems very annoying to me.
We observe that it is not the correct meaning of the given phrase and hence, we can say that option ‘e’ is not the correct answer.

> Thus, we can conclude that option ‘d’ - “with no choice” is the correct answer.

Note: One must be familiar with such phrases in order to identify their meanings correctly.