Idiom: Catch-22
Meanings
Coined by American author Joseph Heller in 1961 in his novel Catch-22, in which the main character feigns madness in order to avoid dangerous combat missions, but his desire to avoid them is taken to prove his sanity.[1]
A difficult situation from which there is no escape because it involves mutually conflicting or dependent conditions.
Example: "For us it’s been a real Catch-22: when we have the time to take a vacation, we don’t have enough money, and when we have enough money, we don’t have the time."
Example Sentences
1
I can't get a job without experience, but I can't gain experience without a job - it's a Catch-22.
2
The company won't hire me without a college degree, but I can't afford college without a job - it's a Catch-22.
3
I need a car to get a job, but I can't afford a car without a job - it's a Catch-22.
4
The restaurant requires previous serving experience, but I can't get experience without being hired as a server - it's a Catch-22.
5
I can't publish my book without an agent, but most agents won't consider my book without it being published - it's a Catch-22.
