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Idioms & Expressions
Catch 22
When you're trapped by conflicting requirements
Literal Meaning
A situation in which a person is trapped by contradictory rules or conditions.
Actual Meaning
A no-win situation where contradictory rules make success impossible
Examples in Context

'Need experience to get job but need job to get experience - catch 22.' (Translation: Impossible situation)

Helpful Tips
  • 1No-win scenario
  • 2Contradictory requirements
  • 3Trapped
Phrase Thesaurus
Similar words and synonyms for this phrase
double bind
lose-lose situation
no-win dilemma
self-fulfilling prophecy
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