In this one-word substitution question, choose the option that best expresses the meaning of the phrase "Hobson's choice".

Introduction / Context:
"Hobson's choice" is a famous English expression that comes from a historical figure, Thomas Hobson, who hired out horses. He allowed customers to take only the horse nearest the door, so they effectively had no real choice. In modern English, the phrase is used to describe situations where there is apparently a choice, but in reality, one must either accept what is offered or get nothing at all. This question tests whether you know that special meaning.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The phrase is "Hobson's choice".
• The options are choice to live or die, excellent choice, no choice at all, bigman's choice.
• The question asks for the option that best expresses the meaning of the phrase.
• We assume standard idiomatic usage in British and Indian English.

Concept / Approach:
The heart of the expression "Hobson's choice" is the lack of meaningful alternatives. You may formally be given an option, but in practice it is take it or leave it. That is why dictionaries define it roughly as "no real choice at all". The phrase does not refer to quality of the choice, such as excellence, nor to a dramatic life or death decision. Knowing the historical story reinforces this interpretation and helps eliminate the distractors.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that "Hobson's choice" describes a situation where you must accept the only thing available or get nothing.Step 2: Compare this understanding with option C, no choice at all, which fits perfectly.Step 3: Review option A, choice to live or die, which suggests a serious moral or survival decision but not the absence of alternatives.Step 4: Review option B, excellent choice, which focuses on quality, not on the number of options.Step 5: Review option D, bigman's choice, which is not a standard English expression and has no clear idiomatic meaning.Step 6: Conclude that option C is the only one that captures the idiom's true meaning.

Verification / Alternative Check:
Consider a typical usage: "It was Hobson's choice: either accept the manager's terms or resign." If we paraphrase, it becomes "There was no real choice at all: accept the terms or leave." Replacing "Hobson's choice" with no choice at all keeps the sentence meaning intact. Trying out excellent choice or choice to live or die in the same sentence makes it sound illogical or exaggerated. This comparison confirms that no choice at all is the correct explanation.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Choice to live or die introduces a dramatic scenario that is not inherent in the original idiom. Excellent choice gives a positive evaluation but does not address the structure of options. Bigman's choice is vague, informal and not recognized as a standard idiom in English. These alternatives are crafted to distract learners who only guess from the tone of the phrase without learning its established meaning.

Common Pitfalls:
Because the phrase contains a proper name, some students assume it must refer to an important or powerful person and choose an option like bigman's choice or excellent choice. Others misinterpret Hobson's choice as some kind of serious dilemma. The key is to memorise that this particular idiom always implies a lack of real alternatives: take what is given or take nothing. Remembering the horse rental story can fix the meaning in your mind.

Final Answer:
The expression "Hobson's choice" means no choice at all.