Definitions

1. 1. lit. quick sword cuts through tangled hemp (idiom)
2. 2. decisive action in a complex situation
3. 3. cutting the Gordian knot
4. 4. solve a complicated problem by adopting an effective measure
5. 5. make a quick and ruthless decision

Components

• 快刀 kuài dāo – a sharp knife
• 斩 zhǎn – to behead (as form of capital punishment)
• 乱麻 luàn má – lit. tangled skein