Gordian knot

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The Word of the Day for January 19 is:

Gordian knot   \GOR-dee-un-NAHT\   noun 
     : an intricate problem; especially : a problem insoluble in its own terms 

Example sentence:
       "This renovation project has become a Gordian knot," said Marvin, "and I 
think the only way to cut the knot is to knock down the structure and start 
over." 

Did you know?
     According to Roman mythology, when the peasant Gordius became king of 
Gordium in Phrygia, he dedicated his wagon to Jupiter and fastened its yoke to 
a beam with a very complex knot. Centuries later, when Alexander the Great 
arrived on the scene, he was told that he couldn't conquer and rule Asia unless 
he proved himself worthy by untying the knot. Alexander quickly solved his 
problem -- and gained a new kingdom -- by slicing the knot in half with his 
sword. Since then, "Gordian knot" has become a term for a difficult problem, 
and the phrase "cut the Gordian knot" has become a popular way to describe a 
neat solution for an apparently insurmountable difficulty.





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