Where does the expression "Catch-22" come from.?

Answer 1

"Catch 22 has become a term, inspired by Joseph Heller's novel Catch-22, describing a general situation in which an individual has to accomplish two actions, both of which require that the other one be done first. " http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catch_22_%28logic%29

[modified below with more details]
I have both read the book (more than once) and seen the movie. However, that may not have been a sufficient source for your answer. If I were to simply say, "It comes from a book I read", then how would you know that I'm not making it up?

So, I'm happy to provide a valid reference for you to check to verify the answer I've provided.

Regards,
Kevin

Answer 2

Catch-22 is a 1961 novel by American novelist Joseph Heller. It was adapted into a feature film in 1970. Later it is termed as a situation when you have very difficult choices e.g. you can enjoy an affordable space flight only if you're dead.

The figure, which comes from Joseph Heller's novel of the same name, refers to a "catch" in military regulations: You can get a insanity discharge if you request it, but anyone who requests it must be sane.

Answer 3

absurd situation or its cause: a situation in which whatever outcome somebody desires is impossible to attain because the rules always work against it


[Named for the novel Catch-22 by Joseph Heller]

Cultural Note

Catch-22, a novel (1961) by Joseph Heller.
The title of this dark satire relates to the skewed military logic that entraps the protagonist, Yossarian, a pilot serving in Italy during World War II. He tries to get himself grounded by being pronounced insane, but is told that only an insane person would want to fly, and his desire not to fly proves that he is, in fact, sane, and so must continue to fly. The term Catch-22 eventually took on the following meanings of its own: “a situation or problem from which extrication is impossible because of built-in illogical rules and regulations,” “an absurd situation,” “a snag or catch,” and “a self-defeating course of action.”

Answer 4

It's been answered already, but I'd like to point out that Catch-22 is another term for a "double bind"

Answer 5

I would like to be the first person to answer your question that actually READ the book! I didn't click on Wikepedia or any search engine. I actually read the Joseph Heller novel, and I gotta tell ya I've seen the movie with Alan Arkin also and I didn't like either one.The book really bogs you down with a satirist who tries too hard to be funny.anyway don't waste your time reading it

Answer 6

a book by Joseph Heller
you should read it
its very good

Answer 7

The movie is the source of the phrase.