Gordian knot
Concise Oxford English Dictionary © 2008 Oxford University Press:
Gordian knot /ˈgɔːdɪən/
▶noun (in phr. cut the Gordian knot) solve a difficult problem in a direct or forceful way.
– origin C16: from the legendary knot tied by Gordius, king of Gordium, and cut through by Alexander the Great in response to the prophecy that whoever untied it would rule Asia.
'Gordian knot' also found in these Oxford entries:
