catch 22

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catch 22

A self-contradictory rule that prevents a desired outcome.

Etymology:

From the anti-war novel Catch-22 by Joseph Heller. In the novel a character learns that he can be exempted from flying aircraft bombing missions by reason of insanity. But to request that exemption shows sound reasoning, and therefore disqualifies one from the insanity exemption.

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For example, to qualify for a bank loan a person might be required to show they are financially solvent enough to not actually need one.

Collection Edit

Submitted by shawc1954 on February 05, 2024

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Nearby phrases

Some more phrases from our dictionary similar to catch 22

catch a tan catch a buzz catch fire catch big air catch it catch hell catch napping catch dust catch flies catch a cold catch as catch can catch of the day catch a break!catch air

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Alex
US English
David
US English
Mark
US English
Daniel
British
Libby
British
Mia
British
Karen
Australian
Hayley
Australian
Natasha
Australian
Veena
Indian
Priya
Indian
Neerja
Indian
Zira
US English
Oliver
British
Wendy
British
Fred
US English
Tessa
South African

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"catch 22." Phrases.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 21 Dec. 2024. <https://www.phrases.com/phrase/catch-22_64145>.

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