Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.

Hobson's choice

A choice forced upon someone

The most appropriate meaning of the given idiom "Hobson's choice" is a choice forced upon someone.

It is used to describe a situation in which someone is given only one option, and they have no choice but to accept it. The idiom is thought to have originated from the story of Thomas Hobson, a livery stable owner in Cambridge, England, who would only sell customers the horse nearest the door. This meant that customers did not have a choice of which horse they wanted to buy.

For example, you might say "I was given Hobson's choice when it came to picking a job. I either took the job or I didn't have a job." This means that you were forced to take the job, even if you didn't want it.

The other options are not accurate descriptions of the meaning of the idiom.

• To choose the best option: This is not a Hobson's choice, because the person has a choice of which option to take.
• To choose the worst option: This is not a Hobson's choice, because the person still has a choice of which option to take.
• A choice that is prejudiced: This is not a Hobson's choice, because the person is not being forced to choose a particular option based on their race, religion, or other personal characteristics.