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Question

Difficulty: HardIdioms and Idiomatic Expressions

Faced with years of bureaucratic deadlock over the proposed infrastructure project, the new governor decided to cut the Gordian knot by issuing an executive order to commence construction immediately. Which of the following options best captures the meaning of the underlined idiomatic expression?

  1. A
    sever a thick rope binding structural materials together
  2. solve a complex problem through bold and decisive actionAnswer
  3. C
    delay a decision to allow for further committee consultations
  4. D
    compromise with political opponents to reach a subtle agreement

Answer

solve a complex problem through bold and decisive action
The correct answer accurately reflects the figurative meaning of 'cut the Gordian knot', which means taking swift, radical, and decisive action to overcome a complicated or seemingly insurmountable obstacle.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the sentence context
The sentence presents a scenario involving a long-standing bureaucratic deadlock that required an immediate executive order to resolve.
Understanding the surrounding situation helps clarify how the governor addressed the administrative impasse.
2
Identify the figurative meaning of the idiomatic phrase
The expression 'cut the Gordian knot' originates from classical mythology and metaphorically signifies taking bold, direct, and decisive measures to solve a complicated dilemma.
Idiomatic expressions convey non-literal meanings that must be interpreted beyond their individual constituent words.
3
Select the option that matches the figurative interpretation
The choice describing solving a complex problem through bold and decisive action correctly defines the idiom in this context.
This interpretation aligns both with the historical meaning of the idiom and the governor's decisive action in the sentence.

Key Concept

Interpretation of classical and formal idiomatic expressions in sentence context
Estimated Time:1m 30s
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Topics

Idioms and Idiomatic Expressions

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