Gordian knot
Gordian knot noun - Any very difficult problem; insoluble in its own terms.
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Synonyms for Gordian knot
Problem and Gordian knot are semantically related in mystery topic. In some cases you can use "Problem" instead a noun phrase "Gordian knot", when it comes to topics like complicated situation.
Problem
Problem noun - Something that requires thought and skill for resolution.
Usage example: the problem of world hunger
Gordian knot and problem are semantically related in predicament topic. You can use "Gordian knot" instead a noun "Problem".
Nearby Words: problematic, problematical
Mutual synonyms
Related pairs
- trouble and Gordian knot
- trouble and problem
- matter and Gordian knot
- matter and problem
- crux and Gordian knot
- crux and problem
- complication and Gordian knot
- complication and problem
- issue and Gordian knot
- issue and problem
- predicament and Gordian knot
- predicament and problem
- question and Gordian knot
- question and problem
Both terms in one sentence
- Lampshaded in The Stainless Steel Rat's Revenge: Inskipp says they "must get a man to Cliaand to root out the problem at the core of the woodpile and cut the Gordian knot." Slippery Jim replies, "Other than being contained in a mixed and disgusting metaphor I think the idea is a suicidal one."
Source: Mixed Metaphor -
Both subverted and played straight in "Knot My Problem", where the kids actually reconstruct a gigantic Gordian Knot and attempt to untie it, rather than cut it.
Source: Cutting the Knot
Cite this Source
Problem and Gordian knot. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 01, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/gordian_knot/problem
Gordian knot & Problem. N.p., 2016. Web. 01 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/gordian_knot/problem>.
Problem or Gordian knot. 2016. Accessed August 01, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/gordian_knot/problem.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "Gordian knot" and "problem" have occurred on timeline