hobsons choice

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Hobson's choice \Hob"son's choice"\
   A choice without an alternative; the thing offered or
   nothing.
   [1913 Webster]

   Note: It is said to have had its origin in the name of one
         Hobson, at Cambridge, England, who let horses, and
         required every customer to take in his turn the horse
         which stood next the stable door.
         [1913 Webster]
    

[email protected]