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Gordian knot noun [ ˈɡɔːdɪən ]

• an extremely difficult or involved problem.
Origin: mid 16th century: from the legend that Gordius, king of Gordium, tied an intricate knot and prophesied that whoever untied it would become the ruler of Asia. It was cut through with a sword by Alexander the Great.

cut the Gordian knot

• solve or remove a problem in a direct or forceful way, rejecting gentler or more indirect methods.
"Kirk may cut the Gordian knot by booting me out"



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