 Tue Feb 14, 2006 9:00 am Idiom: "catch 22" |
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Catch-22:
NOUN: 1a. A situation in which a desired outcome or solution is impossible to attain because of a set of inherently illogical rules or conditions: “In the Catch-22 of a closed repertoire, only music that is already familiar is thought to deserve familiarity” (Joseph McLennan). b. The rules or conditions that create such a situation. 2. A situation or predicament characterized by absurdity or senselessness. 3. A contradictory or self-defeating course of action: “The Catch-22 of his administration was that every grandiose improvement scheme began with community dismemberment” (Village Voice). 4. A tricky or disadvantageous condition; a catch: “Of course, there is a Catch-22 with Form 4868—you are supposed to include a check if you owe any additional tax, otherwise you face some penalties” (New York).
ETYMOLOGY: After Catch-22, a novel by Joseph Heller (born 1923), American writer.
(courtesy of the American Heritage Dictionary)
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Canadian-American native speaker
who teaches English for a living at Mister Micawber's
ESL cafe: Interview with Mister Micawber |
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Mister Micawber
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