cut the Gordian knot

Cultural  

1. To solve a notoriously difficult problem in a quick and decisive manner: “The president hoped that his bold new anti-inflation plan would cut the Gordian knot.” (See Gordian knot under “Mythology and Folklore.”)

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Example Sentences

Chris Redd, on the other hand, cut the Gordian knot by never going on stage at all, and made his feelings clear on Twitter:

From Slate • Sep. 30, 2018

The impetuous Alexander requires only a few seconds to cut the Gordian knot, but needs much of the movie’s 136 minutes to free himself, if he ever does, from his Oedipal family bonds.

From New York Times • Jul. 28, 2016

To cut the Gordian knot of the plot, Helena achieves just that.

From Time Magazine Archive

Standing together, Laborites and Liberals could, of course, outvote the Conservatives in the House of Commons, could cut the Gordian knot of India�wisely or unwisely.

From Time Magazine Archive

They tried with impatient fingers to pull out the cork, but as that proved obdurate they cut the Gordian knot by breaking the neck on a stone.

From The School by the Sea by Brazil, Angela