(deyim) 1. The Gordian Knot is a legend associated with Alexander the Great. It is often used as a metaphor for an intractable problem, solved by a bold stroke ("cutting the Gordian knot"). 2. (in phr. cut the Gordian knot) solve a difficult problem in a direct or forceful way
cut/untie the Gordian knot to quickly solve a difficult problem by determined action (From a complicated knot tied by Gordius, king of ancient Phrygia, which Alexander the Great cut through with his sword)
{i} intricate knot tied by King Gordius of Phrygia which was only to be untied by the future king of Asia (Greek Mythology); difficult or complex problem, seemingly unsolvable problem
Intricate knot tied by Gorius, king of Gorduim in Phyrgia; an oracle declared that whoever loosened it should rule Asia Alexander the Great, unable to undo it, cut it with his sword; hence, a difficult problem or task 'cut the Gordian knot' means to solve problem by force or by evading conditions An expression sometimes used by judges, e g Viscount Dilhorne in Davis v Johnson
A great difficulty Gordius, a peasant, being chosen king of Phrygia, dedicated his waggon to Jupiter, and fastened the yoke to a beam with a rope of bark so ingeniously that no one could untie it Alexander was told that "whoever undid the knot would reign over the whole East " "Well then," said the conqueror, "it is thus I perform the task," and, so saying, he cut the knot in twain with his sword
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
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 any very difficult problem; insoluble in its own terms