chōu​dāo​zhǎn​luàn​má

cut the Gordian knot

Senses

抽刀斩乱麻/ 抽刀斬亂麻 chōu​dāo​zhǎn​luàn​má cut the Gordian knot

to use a sharp knife to cut through a tangled mess of hemp; to resolve a complex problem with quick and decisive action

References

variant 快刀斩乱麻/快刀斬亂麻 抽刀斩乱麻/抽刀斬亂麻