Gordian knot

== English == === Etymology === From the name of a legendary knot tied to a pole near the temple of Zeus in Gordium. It was prophesied that whoever loosed the knot would become ruler of all Asia. Alexander the Great solved the puzzle by slicing through the knot and took it as a sign of Zeus' favor. He then proceeded to conquer much of the known world. === Pronunciation === (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /ˈɡɔːdɪən ˈnɒt/ (US) IPA(key): /ˈɡoʊɹdɪən ˈnɑt/ === Noun === Gordian knot (plural Gordian knots) (Greek mythology) The legendary knot tied to a pole near the temple of Zeus in Gordium. (by extension) Any intricate and complex problem having a simple solution. ==== Derived terms ==== cut the Gordian knot ==== Related terms ==== Gordius Gordium ==== Translations ====