Choose the most appropriate meaning/phrasal verb/word/verb for the sentence.

The teacher read the riot act to the noisy class.

Question

Choose the most appropriate meaning/phrasal verb/word/verb for the sentence. She cut the Gordian knot with a bold decision.

Option 1: Made the problem worse

Option 2: Took a long time to solve a puzzle

Option 3: Solved a complex issue with a decisive move

Option 4: Asked others to help her decide

AfterBoards · Accepted Answer

**"Cut the Gordian knot"** is an idiom that comes from an old story about Alexander the Great. There was a very complicated knot that nobody could untie, and instead of struggling with it, Alexander simply cut it with his sword! So this idiom means to solve a really difficult problem with one bold and quick action. In the sentence, *"She cut the Gordian knot with a bold decision"* clearly means she found a quick and powerful solution to a tough problem. This directly matches **Option 3: Solved a complex issue with a decisive move** ✅ **Why the other options are wrong:** - **Option 1:** The idiom is about *solving* a problem, not making it worse. - **Option 2:** The idiom suggests a *quick, bold* action — not a slow one. - **Option 4:** The sentence says *she* made "a bold decision" herself, not that she asked others for help.

Choose the most appropriate meaning/phrasal verb/word/verb for the sentence. $$\newline$$ She cut the Gordian knot with a bold decision.

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