Friday 12 April 2013

Cambridge Fact File: Hobson's Choice

DID YOU KNOW?


'The Cambridge Carrier' Thomas Hobson (1544 - 1631) is the name behind the expression Hobson's Choice.

Hobson Choice is a free choice in which only one option is offered. As a person may refuse to take that option, the choice is therefore between taking the option or not; "Take it or leave it".

The expression originated from Thomas Hobson, a stable owner in Cambridge. To rotate the use of his horses, he offered customers the choice of either taking the horse in the stall nearest to the door or take none at all.