- 快刀斩乱麻 kuàidāozhǎnluànmá to cut the Gordian knotTo solve a complex problem through quick and decisive action; literally "to cut through a knot of tangled hemp with a sharp knife"
- 快刀断乱麻 kuàidāoduànluànmá to cut the Gordian knotA quick sword cuts through tangled hemp; to take decisive action to solve a complex or messy problem.
- 抽刀斩乱麻 chōudāozhǎnluànmá cut the Gordian knotto use a sharp knife to cut through a tangled mess of hemp; to resolve a complex problem with quick and decisive action
- 黑乱麻麻 hēiluànmāmā pitch blacka chaotic or messy appearance of darkness; pitch black and messy
