Chinese puzzle

American  

noun

1. a very complicated puzzle.

2. anything very complicated or perplexing.

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Chinese puzzle British  

noun

1. an intricate puzzle, esp one consisting of boxes within boxes

2. a complicated problem

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Etymology

Origin of Chinese puzzle

First recorded in 1805–15

Example Sentences

“I am used to working with small budgets, but financing the movie felt like solving a Chinese puzzle,” says Ben Hania.

From Los Angeles Times

Because they were bias-cut, as Mr. Mackie explained in an interview, “they open like a Chinese puzzle and cup at the knee, holding you in.”

From New York Times

Only Eculent has a Chinese puzzle box hiding utensils, though, and a faux bookcase from which dessert and coffee are hydraulically delivered.

From Washington Post

The movie is definitely a kind of Chinese puzzle box.

From Salon

You wondered how the five people had been introduced into the place, as if it were a Chinese puzzle.

From Literature