The “Gordian Knot” is a metaphor for an intractable problem eventually solved by the ability to “think outside the box” to achieve success.
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What is the meaning of a Gordian knot?
an intricate problem
Definition of Gordian knot
1 : an intricate problem especially : a problem insoluble in its own terms —often used in the phrase cut the Gordian knot. 2 : a knot tied by Gordius, king of Phrygia, held to be capable of being untied only by the future ruler of Asia, and cut by Alexander the Great with his sword.
What is the lesson of the Gordian knot?
Today the phrase implies “make it happen” or “get things done”. “Cutting the Gordian knot” has come to mean resolving a difficult problem with one forceful action. It may mean a problem that has no solution.
What does cutting the Gordian knot mean today?
Definition of cut the Gordian knot
: to solve a difficult problem in a very direct way by doing something forceful or extreme.
What is the allusion of Gordian knot?
Cutting the Gordian Knot — Allusion of the Day (10)
—A “Gordian Knot” is any extremely complex problem, and “cutting the Gordian Knot” refers to solving such a problem in a quick decisive manner. —Example: Each year the school counselors face the Gordian knot of scheduling classes.
Did the Gordian knot actually exist?
Piotr Pieranski of the Poznan University of Technology in Poland and Andrzej Stasiak of the University of Lausanne in Switzerland acknowledge that the story of the Gordian knot is just myth. But entering into the spirit of the myth, they show how it would be possible to tie a knot that cannot be untied.
Who undid the Gordian knot?
Alexander the Great
Both Plutarch and Arrian relate that, according to Aristobulus, Alexander the Great pulled the linchpin from the pole to which the yoke was fastened, exposing the two ends of the cord and allowing him to untie the knot without having to cut through it.
Where does the phrase Gordian knot come from?
A poor peasant named Gordius arrived in the public square with his wife, an ox-cart and, indeed, he was declared King. In gratitude to the gods, he dedicated his ox-cart to Zeus, tying it to a post with a highly intricate knot, later known as a Gordian Knot.
What is the meaning of Gordian?
extremely intricate
Definitions of Gordian. adjective. extremely intricate; usually in phrase `Gordian knot’ Synonyms: complex. complicated in structure; consisting of interconnected parts.
How do you use Gordian knot in a sentence?
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.”)
Did Alexander the Great cut the Gordian knot?
The problem of untying the Gordian knot resisted all attempted solutions until the year 333 B.C., when Alexander the Great — not known for his lack of ambition when it came to ruling Asia — cut through it with a sword.
What knot is impossible to untie?
The constrictor knot is one of the most effective binding knots. Simple and secure, it is a harsh knot that can be difficult or impossible to untie once tightened. It is made similarly to a clove hitch but with one end passed under the other, forming an overhand knot under a riding turn.
Is Gordian capitalized?
Merriam-Webster lowercases “stoic.” Random House likes it up. It’s “Stygian” darkness at Random House, “stygian” darkness at Webster’s. The court can discover no bright-line rule. The mythic “Gordian” knot, named for the peasant king of Phrygia, is always capitalized.
Can a person be scintillating?
If you say someone is scintillating, then they are clever — people want to listen to them. This is a word often used sarcastically. If someone is boring, you might say “Well, that was scintillating,” while rolling your eyes.
Is Gordian knot capitalized?
The mythic “Gordian” knot, named for the peasant king of Phrygia, is always capitalized.