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general::
A no-win dilemma or paradox, similar to DAMNED IF I DO, DAMNED IF I DON'T. For example, You can't get a job without experience, but you can't get experience unless you have a job? it's Catch-22. The term gained currency as the title of a 1961 war novel by Joseph Heller, who referred to an Air Force rule whereby a pilot continuing to fly combat missions without asking for relief is regarded as insane, but is considered sane enough to continue flying if he does make such a request.
American Heritage Idioms