kʌt ðə ˈɡɔːrdiən nɒt
General
formal
advanced
- Literally:
- Slice through the famously impossible knot of Gordius
What does "cut the gordian knot" mean?
To solve a difficult problem with a bold, decisive action
Examples
- Instead of years of litigation, they cut the Gordian knot by agreeing to mediation.
- The CEO cut the Gordian knot by merging the two competing departments.
- The committee decided to cut the Gordian knot and implement the simplest solution.
Origin
From the legend of Alexander the Great, who cut the intricate knot with his sword in 333 BC.
How to use it
Used in business, politics, and diplomacy. Very literary and erudite.
Similar expressions
take decisive action
solve boldly
break the deadlock
Opposites
dither
procrastinate
overthink
Related idioms
- actions speak louder than words
What people do is more important than what they say
- better safe than sorry
It's better to be careful and prevent problems than to take risks
- so far so good
Things have gone well up to now
- easier said than done
Something is more difficult to do than to talk about
- make a long story short
To summarize or get to the point
- to make matters worse
In addition to existing problems
Use it in a practice answer
Try "cut the gordian knot" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.