a
knot tied by a Greek
king (Gordus). According to
legend, whoever loosed it would rule all
Asia.
Alexander the Great, per some accounts, undid the Gordian
knot by cutting through it with his sword. By extension, to "
cut the Gordian
knot" is to solve quickly any very
complex problem, or to get to the heart of a
problem.
—SHSBC Binder 7 Approved Glossary, —SHSBC Binder 23 Approved Glossary, —NED Approved Glossary