Gordian knot
/ˈgɔːdɪən/noun
- an extremely difficult or involved problem戈尔迪之结, 难解之结（极困难或棘手的问题）。
短语
cut the Gordian knot
- solve or remove a problem in a direct or forceful way, rejecting gentler or more indirect methods以大刀阔斧的办法解决复杂问题, 快刀斩乱麻。
词源
mid 16th cent.: from the legend that Gordius, king of Gordium, tied an intricate knot and prophesied that whoever untied it would become the ruler of Asia. It was cut through with a sword by Alexander the Great.