How Do You Spell GORDIAN KNOT?

Pronunciation: [ɡˈɔːdi͡ən nˈɒt] (IPA)

The famous "Gordian Knot" is a term used to describe a complex problem that requires an innovative solution. The spelling of the word "Gordian" is pronounced /ˈɡɔːdiən/. This word comes from the ancient city of Gordium and the mythical story of Alexander the Great untying a knot with his sword. The term "Knot" is spelled /nɒt/ and is a common noun that refers to a tied or entwined structure. The combination of these two words creates a powerful metaphor for overcoming difficult challenges.

GORDIAN KNOT Meaning and Definition

1. Gordian Knot refers to a complex and intricate problem or situation that is extremely difficult to solve or unravel due to its complicated nature. Typically, it involves a perplexing challenge or predicament that defies straightforward solutions, thereby requiring a creative or unconventional approach to resolve it.

   The term originates from Greek mythology, stemming from the epic tale of Alexander the Great. According to legend, an ancient prophecy declared that the one who could untie the intricate knot tied by King Gordius of Phrygia would become the ruler of Asia. The knot was so intricately entwined that no one was able to successfully unravel it. However, Alexander, refusing to be defeated by the seemingly impossible task, employed an unconventional method. Instead of trying to untie the knot, he boldly unsheathed his sword and simply cut through it, ultimately fulfilling the prophecy.

   Out of this mythological tale, the Gordian Knot has become a metaphor for a complex problem that requires an unorthodox or radical approach to solve. It signifies the need for thinking outside the box, disregarding conventional norms or methodologies, and being willing to make bold and daring decisions to overcome the challenges at hand. Therefore, the Gordian Knot serves as a reminder to confront difficulties with audacity, originality, and determination to achieve a breakthrough.

2. In anc. times, a knot said to have been so skilfully tied by king Gordius that no one could untie it, and to the untier of which an oracle promised the sovereignty of Asia-Alexander the Great cut it through with his sword; any inextricable difficulty or problem.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for GORDIAN KNOT

• fordian knot
• vordian knot
• bordian knot
• hordian knot
• yordian knot
• tordian knot
• girdian knot
• gkrdian knot
• glrdian knot
• gprdian knot
• g0rdian knot
• g9rdian knot
• goedian knot
• goddian knot
• gofdian knot
• gotdian knot
• go5dian knot
• go4dian knot
• gorsian knot

Etymology of GORDIAN KNOT

The term "Gordian Knot" originated from the ancient legend of King Gordius of Phrygia, a region located in present-day Turkey. According to this legend, Gordius was a poor farmer who became king after an oracle proclaimed that the next person who entered the city in a wagon would become ruler. As the prophecy came true, Gordius dedicated his wagon to the god Zeus and tied its yoke to a pole in the city's acropolis with an intricate knot. This knot, known as the Gordian Knot, was said to be incredibly complex and impossible to untie.

The "Gordian Knot" itself symbolizes a problem or challenge that is seemingly unsolvable or extremely difficult to resolve. The phrase is often used metaphorically to refer to complicated issues that require an ingenious or unconventional approach to resolve.

Idioms with the word GORDIAN KNOT

• cut/untie the Gordian knot The idiom "cut/untie the Gordian knot" refers to solving a complex problem or situation in a bold and decisive manner. It originates from the legend of Alexander the Great, who faced an intricate knot tied by Gordius in the ancient city of Phrygia. Unable to untie it, Alexander boldly cut the knot with his sword, metaphorically representing a solution that relies on audacity and directness rather than meticulous unraveling. Thus, the expression implies finding a straightforward and unconventional approach to resolving a complicated issue.
• a Gordian knot The idiom "a Gordian knot" refers to a complicated or intricate problem or situation that is extremely difficult to solve. It is derived from the legend of Gordius, a king of Phrygia in ancient Greece, who tied a complex knot that was said to be impossible to untie. According to the myth, Alexander the Great, after struggling to untie the knot, simply cut it with his sword, demonstrating his innovative and unconventional thinking in problem-solving. Therefore, "a Gordian knot" often symbolizes the need for a radical or bold approach to overcome a seemingly unsolvable issue.
• cut the Gordian knot The idiom "cut the Gordian knot" refers to solving a complex or difficult problem in a bold and unconventional manner. It originates from the legend of Alexander the Great, who encountered an intricate knot tied by Gordius, a peasant who became king of Phrygia. The knot was said to be impossible to untie, and it was prophesied that the person who could unravel it would rule Asia. Faced with the challenge, Alexander famously "cut" the knot with his sword, thereby resolving the problem in a decisive and straightforward way. Consequently, the idiom "cut the Gordian knot" has come to signify finding an innovative or drastic solution to a complicated issue.