Hobson's choice

[ATOB2]

My grandmother keeps on talking about Hobson's Choice. I know it means a tough decision. But who was Hobson?

[homer]

Well actually, it doesn't mean a difficult choice. It means no choice ' similar to 'between the devil and the deep blue sea'. Thomas Hobson was a 16th-century stable-keeper, a true member of the awkward squad. His horses were for hire on a strict 'conveyor belt' rotation. You couldn't chose your horse from Hobson. It was either the horse nearest the stable door or none at all.

[artisan]

Dining with Sir Humphrey is a similar phrase-it means going without your dinner.