hobson's

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Meaning · English

Ellipsis of Hobson's choice (“the voice”).

Register: slang

Where it’s used: Used American English

Examples

He then grabbed 'old of the knife, raised it above 'is loaf, and was just about to kill his currant with it, when 'e suddenly heard the Hobson's of an angel from heaven saying, Abraham! Abraham!'

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “hobson's” mean?

Ellipsis of Hobson's choice (“the voice”).

Is “hobson's” formal or informal?

hobson's is generally slang.