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Gordian knot

noun [S]
 
 
/ˌɡɔː.di.ənˈnɒt/ US  /ˌɡɔːr.di.ənˈnɑːt/

Definition

a difficult problem or situation: to cut the Gordian knot (= to deal with problems by taking forceful action)Difficult things and peoplePreventing and impeding
(Definition of Gordian knot noun from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)

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