Select the most appropriate meaning of the highlighted idiom.

It was a Catch 22 situation for the manager.

A difficult situation in which the solution to a problem is impossible

The most appropriate meaning of the highlighted idiom "Catch-22" is a difficult situation in which the solution to a problem is impossible.

The term "Catch-22" was coined by Joseph Heller in his 1961 novel of the same name. In the novel, a pilot named Yossarian is caught in a bureaucratic Catch-22: he can be grounded from flying missions if he is declared insane, but he cannot be declared insane because he is aware of the dangers of flying missions.

The term "Catch-22" has since come to be used more generally to describe any situation in which the only solution to a problem is also the cause of the problem. For example, a student might be in a Catch-22 if they need to get a good grade on an exam to pass the class, but they cannot study because they have to work to pay for their tuition.

The other options are not as accurate descriptions of the meaning of the idiom.

• Hailed as the ultimate champion: This describes a person who has achieved great success.
• Worthy successor to the throne: This describes a person who is considered to be the rightful heir to a position of power.
• A positive outcome in a tough situation: This describes a situation that turns out well despite the challenges.