catch-22

/ˌkætʃ.twen.tiˈtuː/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌkætʃ.twen.tiˈtuː/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈkach-ˌtwen-tē-ˈtü How to pronounce catch-22 (audio) ˈkech-/ (ame, mw)

catch-22 — noun

1. a problem in which the action that would solve it is blocked by another rule or

1.名詞C1
釋義

a problem in which the action that would solve it is blocked by another rule or condition in the same situation

例句

Needing a work permit before hiring staff created a catch-22 for the bakery.

create a catch-22 for + business

Lucía hit a catch-22: no job meant no flat, and no address blocked hiring.

X meant no Y, and no Y meant no X

同義詞
  • deadlock

    often focuses on two sides that cannot move, not one circular rule

  • bind

    a general difficult position, usually less tied to formal conditions

  • no-win situation

    broader and less specific about the source of the trap

文法句型

a catch-22

face a catch-22

be a catch-22 for + person

用法筆記

Usually used for a rule or requirement that cancels out the step needed to escape it. It often appears in work, school, immigration, or official process contexts.

常見錯誤

❌The traffic jam was a catch-22.
✅The permit rule was a catch-22 for the food truck.
💡use catch-22 for a self-blocking rule or condition, not for any ordinary problem.
❌Choosing tea or coffee was a catch-22.
✅Needing references before getting a first job was a catch-22.
💡a catch-22 comes from circular conditions, not just two choices.