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单词 catch-22
释义 catch-22
\¦ ̷ ̷ ¦ ̷ ̷  ̷ ̷ ¦ ̷ ̷ \ noun
(plural catch-22's or catch-22s)
Usage: often capitalized C
Etymology: from Catch-22, the paradoxical rule found in the novel Catch-22 (1961) by Joseph Heller died 1999 American author, from catch (II) (difficulty) + 22
1. : a problematic situation for which the only solution is denied by a circumstance inherent in the problem or by a rule
 < the show-business catch-22—no work unless you have an agent, no agent unless you've worked — Mary Murphy >
also : the circumstance or rule that denies a solution
 < this Catch-22 principle of the tax code: … any transaction which has no substantive object other than to reduce one's taxes—does not qualify to reduce one's taxes — Andrew Tobias >
2.
 a. : an illogical, unreasonable, or senseless situation
  < continuing the Catch-22 logic, he explained that the agents busted in with guns drawn “to reduce the potential for violence” — Michael Drosnin >
 b. : a measure or policy whose effect is the opposite of what was intended
  < a medical catch-22: some experts now believe that the examination … may actually cause more cases of breast cancer than it helps to cure — Newsweek >
 c. : a situation presenting two equally undesirable alternatives : dilemma
  < “catch-22” If I don't jog, it's bad. If I jog in polluted city air, it's bad — Jim Berry >
3. : catch 7
 < the puritanical Catch-22 that runs through our society—pleasure, it warns, must be paid for — Janet S. King >
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更新时间:2024/9/20 7:47:08