Something or Nothing is a phrase that is used to describe a situation in which there are two options, but neither of them are particularly desirable. The two crossword solutions for this phrase are OUGHT (5 letters) and HOBSONSCHOICE (13 letters). OUGHT is an archaic word meaning 'to owe' or 'to be obligated to do something'. Hobson's Choice is an idiom that means 'no choice at all', which is derived from the name of Thomas Hobson, a livery stable owner who would only allow customers to choose the horse nearest the stable door.