PhrasesHub

Cut the Gordian knot

    Definitions

      • solve a difficult problem in a bold and decisive manner
        To tackle a complicated or seemingly unsolvable issue by taking unconventional or drastic measures to reach a resolution or break through a deadlock

      • avoid a complicated or time-consuming task
        To find a shortcut or quick solution to a problem instead of going through a lengthy or tedious process

      • refuse to be deterred by obstacles or challenges
        To persevere and overcome difficulties or obstacles in order to achieve a goal or complete a task, often with a sense of determination and bravery

    Examples of Cut the Gordian knot

    • The company's new product line required a complex and intricate process to bring it to market. But rather than get bogged down in red tape and bureaucracy, the CEO decided to "cut the Gordian knot" and streamline the process, bringing the products to market more quickly and efficiently than anyone thought possible.

      The idiom "cut the Gordian knot" comes from Greek mythology, where Gordius, the king of Phrygia, tied a complicated knot as an offering to the gods. Alexander the Great later approached the knot and famously declared, "It is said that the man who unties the knot shall be master of Asia." Without wasting any time or resources, Alexander simply drew his sword and sliced through the knot. In modern times, the phrase "cut the Gordian knot" is used metaphorically to describe solving a difficult problem with a bold and decisive action, often cutting through the red tape and convention to achieve a desired result.

    • The project was facing a complex problem with no clear solution. We decided to cut the Gordian knot and implement a radical new approach.

      The phrase "cut the Gordian knot" is used to describe a situation where a difficult problem is solved in an unexpected or unconventional way. In Greek mythology, Gordius, the king of Phrygia, tied a knot so complicated that it was believed that only the god King could untie it. However, Alexander the Great came along and cut the knot with his sword, solving the problem swiftly and decisively. By using this idiom, we're suggesting that our team came up with an unconventional solution to a complex problem.

    • After months of debate and disagreement, it was clear that we needed a breakthrough. Our CEO finally said, "Enough talk, let's cut the Gordian knot and make a decision."

      By saying "cut the Gordian knot," our CEO was urging the team to take swift and decisive action, just as Alexander the Great did. This can be interpreted as an expression of frustration, as our CEO may have been exasperated with the ongoing discussion and uncertainty. The use of this idiom here encourages the team to take bold and unexpected actions to find a solution, rather than getting bogged down in discussion.

    • The negotiations between the two companies were at an impasse, and it seemed like there was no way forward. The CEO of one company suggested, "Let's cut the Gordian knot and agree to a fair price."

      In this example, both companies were facing a complex problem, and it seemed as though they would not be able to come to a resolution. By using the idiom "cut the Gordian knot," the CEO is suggesting that the only way to break the deadlock is to take drastic, unexpected action. In other words, they are proposing a bold solution that may seem radical or extreme, but could potentially result in positive outcomes for both parties.

    • Our team was struggling to meet the project deadline, and we were starting to worry that we wouldn't be able to deliver on time. I suggested, "Let's cut the Gordian knot and prioritize the most important tasks."

      By suggesting that we "cut the Gordian knot" and focus on the most important tasks, I was proposing that we ought to take radical and unconventional action to ensure that the project was completed on time. This could mean, for example, re-prioritizing certain tasks to ensure that the most critical ones were completed first, or potentially cutting corners in certain areas to make more room for the most important tasks. By using this idiom, I'm suggesting that we need to take bold and decisive action to tackle the problem at hand.

    • The project had been stalled for weeks due to a complex web of issues, but the team finally decided to cut the Gordian knot by identifying the root cause and devising a simple and straightforward solution.

      In this example, "cut the Gordian knot" is being used figuratively to mean finding a quick and decisive solution to a complex problem. The term "Gordian knot" is derived from a legend about King Gordias of Phrygia, who left a knot as a puzzle for his successor to untie. Alexander the Great famously solved the puzzle by cutting the knot instead of trying to unravel it, which has come to symbolize finding an innovative and unconventional solution to a difficult problem.

    • The political deadlock has reached a stalemate, but the opposition party understands that they can't keep playing small-ball politics. They need to cut the Gordian knot by proposing a bold and comprehensive reform that will benefit the electorate.

      Here, "cut the Gordian knot" is being used to describe a bold and decisive action that addresses a complex issue. The figurative use of the term implies that the proposed reform will be ambitious and potentially transformative, similar to Alexander's bold decision to cut the knot instead of trying to unravel it.

    • The company's sales figures had been in decline for months, and the management team was at their wits' end. They decided to cut the Gordian knot by conducting a thorough review of their business model and revamping their marketing strategy to better resonate with their customer base.

      In this example, "cut the Gordian knot" is being used to describe a strategic and decisive action that solves a complex problem. The use of the term implies that the management team recognized that the issue was deeply-rooted and that a simple solution wouldn't suffice. By cutting the Gordian knot, they were able to identify the underlying causes of the sales decline and develop a holistic solution that addressed the root cause of the problem.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "cut the Gordian knot" is often used to describe a situation where a difficult problem or situation is resolved in a swift and decisive manner. It can also refer to avoiding a complicated or time-consuming task by finding a shortcut or alternative solution. In some cases, it may convey a sense of determination and bravery in the face of challenges or obstacles.

    Origin of "Cut the Gordian knot"

    The origin of this idiom can be traced back to a famous legend from ancient Greece. According to the myth, there was a city called Gordium where an intricate knot was tied by the king with a prophecy that whoever could untie it would become the ruler of all of Asia. Many attempted to untie the knot but failed, until Alexander the Great came along and, instead of trying to untie it, simply cut the knot with his sword. This bold and unconventional approach impressed the people of Gordium, and Alexander went on to conquer Asia, fulfilling the prophecy.

    The phrase "cutting the Gordian knot" has since been used to describe a bold and decisive action that solves a complex problem or overcomes a difficult challenge. It has also been adapted to refer to avoiding a complex situation or task by finding a simpler solution. Overall, the idiom encapsulates the idea of taking unconventional measures to achieve success or overcome obstacles.