- pertaining to Gordius, ancient king of Phrygia, who tied a knot (the Gordian knot ) that, according to prophecy, was to be undone only by the person who was to rule Asia, and that was cut, rather than untied, by Alexander the Great.
- resembling the Gordian knot in intricacy.
- to act quickly and decisively in a difficult situation; solve a problem boldly.
