Synonyms/Hypernyms (Ordered by Estimated Frequency) of noun gordian_knot

2 senses of gordian knot

Sense 1
Gordian knot -- (any very difficult problem; insoluble in its own terms)
       => problem -- (a question raised for consideration or solution; "our homework consisted of ten problems to solve")

Sense 2
Gordian knot -- (an intricate knot tied by Gordius, the king of Phrygia, and cut by the sword of Alexander the Great after he heard that whoever undid it would become ruler of Asia)
       => knot -- (any of various fastenings formed by looping and tying a rope (or cord) upon itself or to another rope or to another object)