Gor·di·an knot (gôr d - n)n. 1. An exceedingly complicated problem or deadlock. 2. An intricate knot tied by King Gordius of Phrygia and cut by Alexander the Great with his sword after hearing an oracle promise that whoever could undo it would be the next ruler of Asia. |
Gordian knot [ˈgɔːdɪən]
n
1. (Myth & Legend / Classical Myth & Legend) (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)
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. | Gordian knot - any very difficult problem; insoluble in its own terms problem - a question raised for consideration or solution; "our homework consisted of ten problems to solve" |
| 2. | Gordian knot - an intricate knot tied by Gordius, the king of Phrygia, and cut by the sword of Alexander the Great after he heard that whoever undid it would become ruler of Asia knot - any of various fastenings formed by looping and tying a rope (or cord) upon itself or to another rope or to another object |
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