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The expression Hobson's Choice in English refers to a decision where the only choice
available is "take it or leave it". The expression originated in the university town of Cambridge,
where Thomas Hobson, who lived from 1544 to 1631, was a local stable owner.
He was famous in the community because, whenever people arrived at his stables with the intention of hiring
a horse, he would only show them one, and it just happened to be the oldest and weakest
one. All the other horses, who were younger and stronger, were in the stable, but they
were not available for hire. And so we have the expression "Hobson's Choice," meaning
you have a choice in theory but in reality the only choice is "take it or leave it."
Thomas Hobson has also been immortalised by the town of Cambridge. Indeed, if you go there
today, you will find a "Hobson Street" in the centre of the town.