Crossword Genius

It gives one no real alternative (7,6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

hobsons choice

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'no real alternative' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'it gives one' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'it' could be 'e' ('e' can mean 'electronic' which is similar to 'IT') and 'e' is found in the answer.
'one' could be 'i' (Roman numeral) and 'i' is located in the answer.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

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

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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