To solve a complex or difficult problem quickly and decisively; to cut through a Gordian knot.
Era:
Ancient
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Story:
During the Northern Dynasties, Gao Huan, who served as the Chancellor of Eastern Wei, wished to test the intelligence of his sons. He presented each son with a pile of tangled hemp and instructed them to untangle it as quickly as possible.
The eldest son attempted to slowly pull out individual strands, only to find the hemp becoming even more tangled.
The younger son divided the pile into two halves, then tried to separate them.
However, it was Gao Yang who took out a sharp knife, swiftly cut through the tangled mass with a few strokes, and then easily sorted out the shorter pieces. Gao Huan highly praised his decisive action.