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

The movie is definitely a kind of Chinese puzzle box.

From Salon • Apr. 28, 2019

There is, in the abstract, something catchy about the Chinese puzzle ingenuity of the plan, about the consolidation and reinvention of the century-old stack space.

From New York Times • Jan. 29, 2013

The real problem for America is that it has few easy alternatives when it comes to solving its Chinese puzzle and leveling that field.

From Reuters • Apr. 27, 2011

With “The Tragedy of Arthur” Mr. Phillips has created a wonderfully tricky Chinese puzzle box of a novel that is as entertaining as it is brainy.

From New York Times • Apr. 27, 2011

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

From "The Once and Future King" by T. H. White