Gordian knot

noun

Gor·di·an knot ˈgȯr-dē-ən-

: an intricate problem

especially : a problem insoluble in its own terms

—often used in the phrase cut the Gordian knot

: a knot tied by Gordius, king of Phrygia, held to be capable of being untied only by the future ruler of Asia, and cut by Alexander the Great with his sword

Did you know?

According to Greek mythology, when the peasant Gordius became king of Gordium in Phrygia, he dedicated his wagon to Zeus and fastened its yoke to a beam with a very complex knot. Centuries later, when Alexander the Great arrived on the scene, he was told that he couldn't conquer and rule Asia unless he proved himself worthy by untying the knot. Alexander quickly solved his problem—and gained a new kingdom —by slicing the knot in half with his sword. Since then, Gordian knot has become a term for a difficult problem, and the phrase "cut the Gordian knot" has become a popular way to describe a neat solution for an apparently insurmountable difficulty.

Examples of Gordian knot in a Sentence

a Gordian knot of legal troubles

Recent Examples on the Web

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If there’s a way to cut this Gordian knot, Pelly hasn’t found it, but then, neither has anyone else. —Elizabeth Lopatto, The Verge, 16 Jan. 2025 Nuclear power has gained momentum this year as a possible solution to this Gordian knot. —Rob Toews, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024