Gordian knot

noun

Gor·di·an knot | \ ˈgȯr-dē-ən-

How to pronounce Gordian knot (audio)

\

Definition of Gordian knot

1 : an intricate problem especially : a problem insoluble in its own terms —often used in the phrase cut the Gordian knot

2 : a knot tied by Gordius, king of Phrygia, held to be capable of being untied only by the future ruler of Asia, and cut by Alexander the Great with his sword

Did You Know? Example Sentences Learn More about Gordian knot

Keep scrolling for more

Did You Know?

According to Greek mythology, when the peasant Gordius became king of Gordium in Phrygia, he dedicated his wagon to Jupiter and fastened its yoke to a beam with a very complex knot. Centuries later, when Alexander the Great arrived on the scene, he was told that he couldn't conquer and rule Asia unless he proved himself worthy by untying the knot. Alexander quickly solved his problem - and gained a new kingdom - by slicing the knot in half with his sword. Since then, "Gordian knot" has become a term for a difficult problem, and the phrase "cut the Gordian knot" has become a popular way to describe a neat solution for an apparently insurmountable difficulty.

Examples of Gordian knot in a Sentence

a Gordian knot of legal troubles

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about Gordian knot

Listen to Our Podcast about Gordian knot

Theme music by Joshua Stamper ©2006 New Jerusalem Music/ASCAP

Dictionary Entries near Gordian knot

Statistics for Gordian knot

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for Gordian knot

The first known use of Gordian knot was in 1579

See more words from the same year

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for Gordian knot

Gordian knot

noun

English Language Learners Definition of Gordian knot

: a complicated and difficult problem

See the full definition for Gordian knot in the English Language Learners Dictionary

Comments on Gordian knot

What made you want to look up Gordian knot? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

WORD OF THE DAY

remittance

a sum of money that is sent as a payment

Test Your Vocabulary

Time Traveler Quiz: Which Word Came First?

Which came first?

snarky sarcastic

Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

TAKE THE QUIZ

Word Winder's CrossWinder

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ