C1idiomdecisionsIELTS-friendly
a Catch-22
USUK
a situation you can't escape because each solution depends on the other
From Joseph Heller's novel. Also 'a Catch-22 situation'. Capital C, with a hyphen.
In context
It's a Catch-22: you need experience to get a job, but a job to get experience.
Many small firms are stuck in a Catch-22 between loans and credit history.
More idioms about decisions
- a change of hearta change in your opinion or plan, usually towards a kinder or different view
- a double-edged swordsomething that has both good and bad effects
- a fait accomplisomething already decided or done that others must now accept
- a foregone conclusiona result that is certain before it happens
- a judgement calla decision that depends on your own opinion because there is no clear rule