Idiom: "catch 22"

[herbert]

English Idioms and Expressions, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #21 "Expressions with make", question 1

Their big ambition in life was to choose the right moment to sell their shares ad then make a killing.

(a) take it easy
(b) make plans
(c) make a lot of money
(d) make schemes

English Idioms and Expressions, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #21 "Expressions with make", answer 1

Their big ambition in life was to choose the right moment to sell their shares ad then make a lot of money.

Correct answer: (c) make a lot of money
_________________________

what does catch 22 mean?

herbert

[Mister Micawber]

.
Catch-22:

NOUN: 1a. A situation in which a desired outcome or solution is impossible to attain because of a set of inherently illogical rules or conditions: “In the Catch-22 of a closed repertoire, only music that is already familiar is thought to deserve familiarity” (Joseph McLennan). b. The rules or conditions that create such a situation. 2. A situation or predicament characterized by absurdity or senselessness. 3. A contradictory or self-defeating course of action: “The Catch-22 of his administration was that every grandiose improvement scheme began with community dismemberment” (Village Voice). 4. A tricky or disadvantageous condition; a catch: “Of course, there is a Catch-22 with Form 4868—you are supposed to include a check if you owe any additional tax, otherwise you face some penalties” (New York).
ETYMOLOGY: After Catch-22, a novel by Joseph Heller (born 1923), American writer.

(courtesy of the American Heritage Dictionary)
.
_________________
Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's