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
Vilim-Croatian
Adegoke-Western African, Yoruba
FridtjofFRIT-shof (Swedish), FRIT-yof (Swedish)Swedish, Norwegian, Danish
Janae-English (Modern)
RutROOT (Spanish)Spanish, Icelandic, Swedish, Hebrew, Biblical Hebrew
Seraphinus-Late Roman