Gordian knot

/ ˈɡɔːdɪən /

noun

1. (in Greek legend) a complicated knot, tied by King Gordius of Phrygia, that Alexander the Great cut with a sword
2. a complicated and intricate problem (esp in the phrase cut the Gordian knot )

Gordian knot

1. A complex knot tied by a Greek king. According to legend, whoever loosed it would rule all Asia . Alexander the Great , according to some accounts, undid the Gordian knot by cutting through it with his sword.

Notes

By extension, to “cut the Gordian knot” is to solve quickly any very complex problem or to get to the heart of a problem.

Related Words

• conundrum
• puzzle