cut the Gordian knot



cut the Gordian knot

To solve a very challenging or daunting problem decisively. The phrase likely alludes to Gordius, the king of Phrygia, who tied a knot that an oracle proclaimed would only be cut by the future ruler of Asia. Alexander the Great allegedly cut the Gordian knot in one blow. A: "Wait, Matt already solved that impossible equation?" B: "Yes! I have no idea how he did it, but he sure cut the Gordian knot."
See also: cut, Gordian, knot

Common Names:

NameGenderPronouncedUsage
Victorine-French
MaddisonMAD-i-sənEnglish (Modern)
Laius-Greek Mythology (Latinized)
Kinneret-Hebrew
OisÍNOSH-een, USH-eenIrish, Irish Mythology
CarolynKER-ə-lin, KAR-ə-linEnglish