"Catch-22" is an idiom that refers to a situation where you are in a dilemma or a difficult position where there is no easy way out. It is a paradoxical situation where you are stuck between two choices, both of which are undesirable or impossible to achieve.
The term "catch-22" comes from a novel of the same name by Joseph Heller, which was published in 1961. The book tells the story of a World War II bomber pilot who is caught in a bureaucratic trap, where he is unable to escape from his military duties due to a contradictory set of rules and regulations.
For example, a catch-22 situation could be when you need a job to gain experience, but you can't get a job without experience. Another example could be when you need a credit history to get a loan, but you can't get a credit history without a loan.
In short, "catch-22" is used to describe a situation where you are trapped or stuck in a no-win scenario. It is a frustrating and often unfair situation that can leave you feeling helpless and powerless.
• If I take the night shift, I can't pick up my kids from school, but if I take the day shift, I won't be able to make ends meet. It's a catch-22.
• The company won't hire me without a degree, but I can't afford to go back to school without a job to pay for it. It's a frustrating catch-22.
• The government won't fund the project unless we can prove it's successful, but we can't prove it's successful without funding from the government. It's a frustrating catch-22 that's holding back progress.
• I want to study abroad to improve my language skills, but I need to pass a language test first. However, I can't pass the test without studying abroad. It's a classic catch-22.
• The legal system is supposed to protect citizens from harm, but it also requires proof of harm before taking action. This creates a catch-22 where victims have to suffer before justice can be served.
• I can't get a job because I have no experience, but I can't get experience because I can't get a job. It's a catch-22 situation.