Gordian knot

Meanings

1. The legendary knot tied to a pole near the temple of Zeus in Gordium.
2. Any intricate and complex problem having a simple solution.

Etymology

From the name of a legendary knot tied to a pole near the temple of Zeus in Gordium. It was prophesied that whoever loosed the knot would become ruler of all Asia. Alexander the Great solved the puzzle by slicing through the knot and took it as a sign of Zeus' favor. He then proceeded to conquer much of the known world.