cut the (gordian) knot
1cut the Gordian knot — To overcome a difficulty by violent measures, as Alexander the Great cut the Gordian knot with his sword • • • Main Entry: ↑Gordian * * * cut the Gordian knot phrase to solve a very difficult problem in a quick and determined way that may cause… …
2cut the gordian knot — If someone cuts the Gordian knot, they solve a very complex problem in a simple way …
3cut the gordian knot — (Roget s 3 Superthesaurus) (VOCABULARY WORD) v. to find a quick solution to a deeply entangled problem. Somebody had to find a way to cut the Gordian knot of Congressional gridlock. SYN.: solve, untangle, *cut through red tape, extricate, free,… …
4cut the Gordian knot — to deal with a difficult problem in a strong, simple and effective way. There was so much fighting between staff, she decided to cut the Gordian knot and sack them all …
5cut the Gordian knot — If someone cuts the Gordian knot, they solve a very complex problem in a simple way. (Dorking School Dictionary) …
6Cut the Gordian knot — If some cuts the Gordian knot, they solve a very complex problem in a simple way …
7To cut the Gordian knot — Cut Cut (k[u^]t), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Cut}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Cutting}.] [OE. cutten, kitten, ketten; prob. of Celtic origin; cf. W. cwtau to shorten, curtail, dock, cwta bobtailed, cwt tail, skirt, Gael. cutaich to shorten, curtail, dock, cutach …
8cut the Gordian knot — solve a difficult problem in a direct or forceful way. → Gordian knot …
9cut the Gordian knot — to solve a very difficult problem in a quick and determined way that may cause other problems in the future …
10cut the Gordian knot — find an easy way out of difficulty …
