Gordian Knot

Pronunciation: /ˈɡɔrdiən nɑt/

Definitions of Gordian knot

noun a complex or intricate problem or situation that is difficult to solve

Example Sentences

A1 The Gordian knot was a legendary puzzle that Alexander the Great famously solved.

A2 The Gordian knot represents a complex problem that is difficult to untangle.

B1 The team faced a Gordian knot of issues that needed to be resolved before moving forward.

B2 The negotiations were like trying to untie a Gordian knot, with each party unwilling to compromise.

C1 The Gordian knot of bureaucracy made it nearly impossible to get anything done efficiently.

C2 The Gordian knot of conflicting interests within the organization required a strategic approach to unravel.

Examples of Gordian knot in a Sentence

formal The diplomat faced a Gordian knot of diplomatic challenges during the peace negotiations.

informal Dealing with that issue is like trying to untangle a Gordian knot.

slang Man, that problem is a total Gordian knot - good luck figuring it out!

figurative She saw the tangled mess of emotions between them as a modern-day Gordian knot.

Grammatical Forms of Gordian knot

• past tense: Gordian knotted
• plural: Gordian knots
• comparative: more Gordian knotted
• superlative: most Gordian knotted
• present tense: Gordian knots
• future tense: will Gordian knot
• perfect tense: has Gordian knotted
• continuous tense: is Gordian knotting
• singular: Gordian knot
• positive degree: Gordian knot
• infinitive: to Gordian knot
• gerund: Gordian knotting
• participle: Gordian knotted

Origin and Evolution of Gordian knot

First Known Use: 1601 year

Language of Origin: Greek

Story behind the word: The Gordian knot is a legend associated with Gordius, a Phrygian king, and his son Midas. According to the legend, an oracle declared that the man who could unravel the intricate knot tied by Gordius would become the ruler of Asia. Alexander the Great is said to have solved the knot by cutting it with his sword.

Evolution of the word: The term 'Gordian knot' has evolved to symbolize a complex problem that can only be solved by bold action or a creative solution, often associated with the idea of thinking outside the box.