ˈtʃɪkɪn ænd eɡ ˌsɪtʃuˈeɪʃən
- Literally:
- A situation involving a chicken and an egg
What does "chicken and egg situation" mean?
- A paradox where it's unclear which of two things caused the other
- A situation where cause and effect are impossible to determine
Examples
- It's a chicken and egg situation—did the recession cause unemployment or vice versa?
- Whether the technology drove the demand or demand drove the technology is a chicken and egg situation.
- We face a chicken and egg problem: we need experience to get a job, but a job to get experience.
Origin
From the ancient philosophical question: 'Which came first, the chicken or the egg?' This paradox has puzzled thinkers since Aristotle. The idiom applies the puzzle to any circular causation situation.
How to use it
Common in discussing complex causation where determining the original cause is difficult or impossible.
Similar expressions
Opposites
Related idioms
- kill two birds with one stone
To accomplish two goals with a single action
- let the cat out of the bag
To reveal a secret accidentally
- elephant in the room
An obvious problem or issue that everyone is aware of but no one wants to discuss
- don't count your chickens before they hatch
Don't assume success before it actually happens
- hold your horses
To wait and be patient
- fish out of water
Someone who feels awkward or uncomfortable in a particular situation
Use it in a practice answer
Try "chicken and egg situation" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.