The spelling of the phrase "more gordian" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first word, "more," is spelled /mɔːr/, with a long "o" sound and a silent "e" at the end. The second word, "gordian," is spelled /ˈɡɔːdiən/, with a long "o" sound and the stress on the first syllable. The word "gordian" is often used in the phrase "cut the gordian knot," meaning to solve a complicated problem in a simple, decisive way.
"More Gordian" is an idiomatic expression derived from the story of the Gordian Knot in ancient Greek mythology. It refers to an increasingly complex or difficult problem that requires an unconventional and bold solution. It suggests a state of affairs where existing methods, strategies, or conventional ways of thinking prove insufficient or ineffective in resolving the issue at hand.
The Gordian Knot was a legendary knot tied by King Gordius of Phrygia, which was said to be impossible to untie. An oracle declared that anyone who could unravel the knot would become the ruler of all Asia. Several individuals attempted to untie it in a traditional manner, but none succeeded. Eventually, Alexander the Great arrived and approached the knot differently. Unable to untie it, he reportedly drew his sword and sliced it in half, effectively "solving" the problem.
When something is referred to as "more Gordian," it means it is even more intricate, convoluted, or baffling compared to its initial, already complex state. The expression implies that conventional means are inadequate, and a radical, "out-of-the-box" approach may be necessary to address the issue effectively. Using this phrase often conveys the notion that the problem demands an innovative, powerful, or audacious solution, as Alexander the Great incorporated when confronting the original Gordian Knot.