Gordian knot and Hornets' nest

Gordian knot noun - 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.

Hornets' nest and Gordian knot are semantically related. In some cases you can use "Hornets' nest" instead a noun phrase "Gordian knot".

Hornets' nest noun - A highly contentious or hazardous situation.

Gordian knot and hornets' nest are semantically related. You can use "Gordian knot" instead a noun phrase "Hornets' nest".