<human>:  What is meant by the phrase “catch-22”?
<bot>: Catch-22 is a term used to describe a paradoxical situation in which an individual is placed in a no-win situation due to circumstances beyond their control. The term originated from the 1961 novel of the same name by Joseph Heller. In the novel, it was used to describe a military rule stating that a pilot could not be released from duty on the grounds of insanity if they were aware of the rule and applying for exemption from duty.