Definitions

cut the Gordian knot

VERB

solve a difficult problem

Synonyms

WEAK

clear cut through red tape free get to the bottom of resolve solve unravel unsnarl untangle work out

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Chris Redd, on the other hand, cut the Gordian knot by never going on stage at all, and made his feelings clear on Twitter:

From Slate • Sep. 30, 2018

The impetuous Alexander requires only a few seconds to cut the Gordian knot, but needs much of the movie’s 136 minutes to free himself, if he ever does, from his Oedipal family bonds.

From New York Times • Jul. 28, 2016

To cut the Gordian knot of the plot, Helena achieves just that.

From Time Magazine Archive

Standing together, Laborites and Liberals could, of course, outvote the Conservatives in the House of Commons, could cut the Gordian knot of India�wisely or unwisely.

From Time Magazine Archive

Much more appropriate would it have been for him to draw the sword, like Alexander, and cut the Gordian knot.

From Sir Thomas Urquhart of Cromartie, Knight by Willcock, John