Gordian knot

Gor·di·an knot  (gôrd-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.

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Gordian knot

Noun

cut the Gordian knot to solve a complicated problem by bold or forceful action [Gordius, in Greek legend, who tied a knot that Alexander the Great cut with a sword]

Thesaurus

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