Meaning: To solve a complicated problem decisively
Hindi: जटिल समस्या को निर्णायक रूप से सुलझाना
Synonyms: solve decisively, resolve boldly, break the impasse
Antonyms: complicate further, avoid the issue
Asked in: SSC Steno 2026 T-1 · SSC CGL 2025 T-1
cut the gordian knot in SSC previous-year questions
- SSC CGL 2025 T-1 Idioms & Phrases
Choose the correct meaning of idiom:
Cut the Gordian kno tAnswer & explanation
Answer: D) To solve a complex problem decisively
"Cut the Gordian knot" refers to the legend of Alexander the Great cutting through the Gordian knot.
It means to solve a complex/intractable problem with a quick, decisive action. - SSC Steno 2026 T-1 Idioms & Phrases
What does the idiom ‘Cut the Gordian knot’ mean?
Answer & explanation
Answer: A) Solve a problem boldly
Meaning: cut the Gordian knot = to solve a very complicated problem by one bold, direct action *(जटिल समस्या को साहसिक ढंग से एक झटके में सुलझाना)*.
"Instead of months of talks, the new manager cut the Gordian knot and merged the two teams."
The stress is on solving, and solving boldly.
Origin.
In Gordium a chariot was tied with a knot no one could untie; the one who undid it would rule Asia. Alexander the Great simply sliced it with his sword.
Why the others are wrong.
• create a problem *(समस्या खड़ी करना)* — the reverse; that is *open a can of worms*.
• leave things unsettled *(अनसुलझा छोड़ देना)* — that is *leave in limbo*; the knot here is cut, not left.
• avoid a situation *(टाल जाना)*
Examples
- “The CEO cut the Gordian knot by restructuring the entire department.”
cut the gordian knot – questions
What is the meaning of cut the gordian knot in Hindi?
cut the gordian knot means “जटिल समस्या को निर्णायक रूप से सुलझाना” in Hindi. In English: To solve a complicated problem decisively
What are the synonyms of cut the gordian knot?
Synonyms of cut the gordian knot: solve decisively, resolve boldly, break the impasse.
What is the opposite of cut the gordian knot?
Antonyms of cut the gordian knot: complicate further, avoid the issue.
Has cut the gordian knot been asked in SSC exams?
Yes – cut the gordian knot has been asked 2 times in SSC exams: SSC Steno 2026 T-1, SSC CGL 2025 T-1.