expression, godan verb (-tsu)
cut the Gordian knot; solve a difficult problem decisively
Idiomatic expression meaning to resolve a tangled or complex situation with a single bold, decisive action. Often used figuratively for cutting through bureaucracy, disputes, or confusion.
社長の一言が快刀乱麻を断つように問題を解決した。
The president's single remark solved the problem like cutting the Gordian knot.
複雑な交渉を快刀乱麻を断つ勢いでまとめた。
He brought the complex negotiations to a close with Gordian-knot-cutting decisiveness.