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
Nadeem-Arabic, Urdu
IngeING-e (Danish, Norwegian, Swedish), ING-gə (German), ING-ə (Dutch)Danish, Norwegian, Swedish, German, Dutch
Arti-Indian, Hindi, Marathi
Hind-Arabic
Dudda-Anglo-Saxon
Domonkos-Hungarian