What does "Catch 22" mean?

Answer by  melanie21 (33)

Catch 22 is a reference to an old novel by Joseph Heller. The term implies an illusion of choice while preventing any real choice. I. E. : A man wants out of the military by reason of insanity. He tests sane and stays. A man who is insane doesn't request testing and stays in the military.

Answer by  sp1983 (31)

The phrase refers to a situation with a specific set of rules, regulations, requirements, etc. that prevents a choice from being made. An example would be a boss who requires workers to come into work to prove they are sick. If they are sick they can't come to work and if they come to work they are not sick.

Answer by  melnjon (39)

This means that whatever you do it will not help the matter at all. Such as an impossible task. For example; You have a flashlight that requires c size batteries, but the store only carries d size batteries. The situation can not be completed. A catch 22 can be created by various problems and issues.

Answer by  julie86 (24)

Although the option seems to be in your favor and may have a favorable outcome, there is indeed a hidden unfavorable outcome as well.