Paradox

/ˈpærədɑːks/ noun medium

A statement or situation that seems to contradict itself yet may still hold some truth.

"You have to spend money to make money" is a classic paradox that confuses new business owners.

Memory Trick

'Para-' (contrary to) plus 'dox' (opinion, as in 'orthodox') — a paradox runs contrary to the opinion we'd normally expect.