A "Catch-22" is a paradoxical situation where an individual cannot escape a problem due to contradictory rules or conditions. The term originates from the novel Catch-22 by Joseph Heller, where soldiers are trapped by a military regulation that prevents them from avoiding dangerous missions. To be declared insane and unfit to fly, a soldier must request to be grounded, but doing so demonstrates rationality, thus making them ineligible for relief. In broader contexts, a Catch-22 can occur in various scenarios, such as job hunting, where one needs experience to get a job but cannot gain experience without first being employed. This creates a frustrating cycle that can seem impossible to break, illustrating the complexities of certain situations where solutions are hindered by conflicting requirements.