- Gor·di·an knot
- /ˈgoɚdijən-/ noun, pl ⋯ knots [count]: a complicated and difficult problem
a Gordian knot of legal troubles
: to solve a difficult problem in a very direct way by doing something forceful or extreme
Useful english dictionary. 2012.
Gor·di·an knot
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Gordian knot — Gor|di|an knot [ˌgo:diən ˈnɔt US ˌgo:rdiən ˈna:t] n [Date: 1500 1600; Origin: From a complicated knot tied by Gordius, king of ancient Phrygia, which Alexander the Great cut through with his sword] cut/untie the Gordian knot to quickly solve a… … Dictionary of contemporary English
Gordian knot — Gor′di•an knot′ [[t]ˈgɔr di ən[/t]] n. 1) myt a knot tied by Gordius, a legendary king of Phrygia, that, according to a prophecy, was to be undone only by the person who would rule Asia: Alexander the Great, not able to untie the knot, is said to … From formal English to slang
Gordian knot — Gor|di|an knot [ ,gɔrdiən nat ] noun cut the Gordian knot to solve a very difficult problem in a quick and determined way that may cause other problems in the future … Usage of the words and phrases in modern English
Gordian knot — [gôr′dē ən] n. 1. Gr. Legend a knot tied by King Gordius of Phrygia, which an oracle reveals will be undone only by the future master of Asia: Alexander the Great, failing to untie it, cuts the knot with his sword 2. any perplexing problem cut… … Universalium
Gordian knot — Gordian Gor di*an, a. 1. Pertaining to Gordius, king of Phrygia, or to a knot tied by him; hence, intricate; complicated; inextricable. [1913 Webster] {Gordian knot}, an intricate knot tied by Gordius in the thong which connected the pole of the… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
Gordian knot — [gôr′dē ən] n. 1. Gr. Legend a knot tied by King Gordius of Phrygia, which an oracle reveals will be undone only by the future master of Asia: Alexander the Great, failing to untie it, cuts the knot with his sword 2. any perplexing problem cut… … English World dictionary
Gordianknot — Gor·di·an knot (gôrʹdē ən) n. 1. An exceedingly complicated problem or deadlock. 2. An intricate knot tied by King Gordius of Phrygia and cut by Alexander the Great with his sword after hearing an oracle promise that whoever could undo it would… … Universalium
Gordiacea — Gor·di·a·cea .gȯr dē ā sh(ē )ə n pl syn of NEMATOMORPHA Gordius gȯr dē əs Greek mythological character. Gordius was the king of ancient Phrygia. In his capital city he contrived an intricate knot that lashed a pole to the yoke of his chariot.… … Medical dictionary
Gordian — Gor di*an, a. 1. Pertaining to Gordius, king of Phrygia, or to a knot tied by him; hence, intricate; complicated; inextricable. [1913 Webster] {Gordian knot}, an intricate knot tied by Gordius in the thong which connected the pole of the chariot… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
literature — /lit euhr euh cheuhr, choor , li treuh /, n. 1. writings in which expression and form, in connection with ideas of permanent and universal interest, are characteristic or essential features, as poetry, novels, history, biography, and essays. 2.… … Universalium
