Hobson's Choice: When There Is Really No Choice at All

Hobson’s choice. It often is used to describe a difficult choice. But that is not what it really means. Its real meaning is to have no choice at all.

Hobson’s choice was really no choice.

between a rock and a hard place. It is often used to describe a difficult situation with few choices, none of them good.

caught between a rock and a hard place.

between the devil and the deep blue sea, also gives you a choice between two equally dangerous things.

devil is a word for a seam between two pieces of wood along the water-line of a ship. If the seam or crack between the two pieces of wood begins to leak, then a sailor must fix it. The sailor ordered to make the repairs was in a dangerous situation. He was hanging over the side of the ship, working between the devil and the deep blue sea.

being on the horns of a dilemma.

on the horns of a dilemma, no matter which horn you choose, something bad will happen.