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.

Example Sentences

Of course, if we can mix our classical references, Russia has its Sword of Damocles to cut this Gordian Knot.

From The Daily Beast

When recovered by the divers, this mass of steel wire was a gordian knot of utter confusion.

From Project Gutenberg

He believed that abject slavery awaited the colonists unless the gordian knot of allegiance was cut at one bold stroke.

From Project Gutenberg

Hemestertius supposes the Gordian Knot to have been nothing but a variety of the himantiliginos.

From Project Gutenberg

So many things have conspired to make this Irish question a Gordian-knot which no man can untie, and but few would dare to cut.

From Project Gutenberg

“Tommy” cut the Gordian Knot himself by following us down to the boat like a dog and leaping aboard.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• conundrum
• puzzle