¦ ̷ ̷ ¦ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ ¦ ̷ ̷ noun
( plural catch-22's or catch-22s )
Usage: often capitalized C
Etymology: from Catch-22 , the paradoxical rule found in the novel Catch-22 (1961) by Joseph Heller died 1999 American author, from catch (II) (difficulty) + 22
1. : a problematic situation for which the only solution is denied by a circumstance inherent in the problem or by a rule
the show-business catch-22 —no work unless you have an agent, no agent unless you've worked — Mary Murphy
also : the circumstance or rule that denies a solution
this Catch-22 principle of the tax code: … any transaction which has no substantive object other than to reduce one's taxes—does not qualify to reduce one's taxes — Andrew Tobias
2.
a. : an illogical, unreasonable, or senseless situation
continuing the Catch-22 logic, he explained that the agents busted in with guns drawn “to reduce the potential for violence” — Michael Drosnin
b. : a measure or policy whose effect is the opposite of what was intended
a medical catch-22 : some experts now believe that the examination … may actually cause more cases of breast cancer than it helps to cure — Newsweek
c. : a situation presenting two equally undesirable alternatives : dilemma
“ catch-22 ” If I don't jog, it's bad. If I jog in polluted city air, it's bad — Jim Berry
3. : catch 7
the puritanical Catch-22 that runs through our society—pleasure, it warns, must be paid for — Janet S. King