Crossword Genius

After Sprite, kid's given plum - it's this or nothing (7,6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

hobsons choice

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'this or nothing' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

'after sprite kid's given plum' is the wordplay.
'after' says to put letters next to each other.
'sprite' becomes 'hob' (hob is a kind of sprite).
'kid's' becomes 'son's' (male child).
'given plum' becomes 'choice' (I've seen this before. I am not sure about the 'given' bit.).
'hob' next to 'sons' is 'hobsons'.
'hobsons'+'choice'='HOBSONS CHOICE'

'it's' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for hobsons choice that I've seen before include "Take it or leave it!" , "Option of taking what's on offer or getting nothing at all" , "Forced selection" , "No real alternative" , "That offered, or nothing" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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