Gordian
Americanadjective
-
pertaining to Gordius, ancient king of Phrygia, who tied a knot the Gordian knot that, according to prophecy, was to be undone only by the person who was to rule Asia, and that was cut, rather than untied, by Alexander the Great.
-
resembling the Gordian knot in intricacy.
idioms
Etymology
Origin of Gordian
1555–65; < Latin Gordi ( us ) (< Greek Górdios Gordius) + -an
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Fortunately, the man she meets cuts the Gordian knot of her anxieties by being perfect.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 29, 2026
Could the administration try to unravel this Gordian knot by suppressing prices and pushing for easy money?
From Barron's ● Dec. 5, 2025
Shapiro dexterously untangles the Gordian knot of their entwined passions, shared ambitions and business bottom lines.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 11, 2025
Remember the I-95 collapse in Philadelphia last June, which seemed poised to snarl East Coast traffic in a Gordian knot?
From Slate ● Mar. 26, 2024
The preceding explanation unties the Gordian knot, and you can stop there if you want.
From "Woe Is I" by Patricia T. O'Conner
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
