solve a complex problem quickly and decisively; cut the Gordian knot
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 3 examplesidiom
to cut the Gordian knot; to solve a complex problem quickly and decisively
formalUsed to describe taking swift, resolute action to resolve a complicated or entangled situation, often when hesitation or over-analysis would be counterproductive. The imagery is of using a sharp knife to slice through tangled hemp.
Gōng公
sī司
guǎn管
lǐ理
hùn混
luàn乱
，
xīn新
shàng上
rèn任
de的
zǒng总
jīng经
lǐ理
jué决
dìng定
kuài快
dāo刀
zhǎn斩
luàn乱
má麻
，
jìn进
xíng行
chè彻
dǐ底
gǎi改
gé革
。
With the company's management in chaos, the newly appointed general manager decided to cut the Gordian knot and carry out a thorough reform.
Miàn面
duì对
zhè这
xiē些
jiū纠
chán缠
bù不
qīng清
de的
rén人
jì际
guān关
xì系
，
tā他
xuǎn选
zé择
le了
kuài快
dāo刀
zhǎn斩
luàn乱
má麻
，
zhí直
jiē接
biǎo表
míng明
tài态
dù度
。
Faced with these entangled interpersonal relationships, he chose to cut the Gordian knot by stating his position directly.
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Zhè这
ge个
xiàng项
mù目
tuō拖
yán延
tài太
jiǔ久
，
wǒ我
men们
bì必
xū须
kuài快
dāo刀
zhǎn斩
luàn乱
má麻
，
zuò做
chū出
yī一
ge个
míng明
què确
de的
xuǎn选
zé择
。
This project has been delayed for too long; we must cut the Gordian knot and make a clear decision.