have no choice but to v — to be forced to do something because there are no other options available
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: to be forced to do something because there are no other options available
Pronunciation (IPA): /hæv noʊ tʃɔɪs bʌt tuː/
Example Sentences
- When my alarm clock broke, I had no choice but to ask my neighbor's rooster to wake me up.
- The company had no choice but to hire a translator when they realized their international meeting was conducted entirely in sign language.
- Due to the severe weather conditions, we have no choice but to postpone the outdoor event.
have no choice but to v
NOUN[/hæv noʊ tʃɔɪs bʌt tuː/]
to be forced to do something because there are no other options available
Stranded by the flood, villagers have no choice but to wade through waist-deep water.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
This construction developed in Old English, with 'choice' deriving from Old French 'chois', which evolved from a verb meaning 'to choose'. The phrase combines 'have' (to possess) with 'no choice but', where 'but' functions as 'except' or 'other than', creating an expression of unavoidable necessity or compulsion.
Breakdown
have (to possess) + no (absence of) + choice (Old French chois, from choix meaning selection) + but (except, other than) + to (infinitive marker). The structure literally means 'possess no selection except to perform an action', expressing constraint or inevitability.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“When my alarm clock broke, I had no choice but to ask my neighbor's rooster to wake me up.”
“The company had no choice but to hire a translator when they realized their international meeting was conducted entirely in sign language.”
“Due to the severe weather conditions, we have no choice but to postpone the outdoor event.”
“After burning dinner three times, she had no choice but to order pizza and pretend it was her original plan.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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