English Idioms

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Catch-22

Meaning

The idiom "catch-22" refers to a situation where one is trapped by contradictory or circular conditions, making it impossible to choose the right course of action. It's commonly used to describe a paradoxical or absurd predicament where no matter what decision one makes, they are caught between two undesirable options.

Usage

  • When trying to decide whether to tell the truth or lie, John found himself in a classic catch-22 situation.
  • The company's policy on overtime created a catch-22 for employees who were expected to meet strict deadlines but couldn't work beyond their regular hours.
  • The new employee's job required them to be both creative and follow strict guidelines, creating a catch-22 situation that made it difficult to succeed.
  • When faced with the choice of either going to war or being labeled as a coward, the soldier was in a catch-22 dilemma.
  • The pandemic created a catch-22 situation for businesses that had to keep employees safe while also staying afloat. The usage of "catch-22" can vary depending on the context. In some cases, it may refer to a situation where one has two equally undesirable options, such as being caught between two conflicting priorities or principles. In other cases, it may refer to a situation where one is punished for doing the right thing or is rewarded for doing the wrong thing, creating a paradoxical outcome.

Roots and History

The term "catch-22" was coined by Joseph Heller, an American writer, in his novel of the same name published in 196- The book satirizes bureaucracy and the absurdities of military life during World War II. The phrase quickly became popular and has been used in various forms of media ever since. Over time, the meaning of "catch-22" has evolved slightly to include a wider range of situations that involve paradoxical or circular conditions. However, its original meaning remains intact and continues to be widely recognized and used in contemporary language.

Synonyms in English

  • Dilemma
  • Conundrum
  • Paradox
  • Catch-44
  • Logjam

Synonyms in other languages

  • French: Paradoxe
  • German: Paradox
  • Spanish: Enigma
  • Italian: Enigma
  • Japanese: 維護理 (Waigai Ry)

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