gordian-knot

US /ˌɡɔːr.di.ən ˈnɑːt/
UK /ˌɡɔːr.di.ən ˈnɑːt/
1.

gordiaanse knoop

a difficult problem or situation:

:
•
to cut the Gordian knot (= to deal with problems by taking forceful action)
:
knottie the knottie someone (up) in knots