pons asinorum

(pänz′ as′i nō′rəm)

Geom. the fifth proposition of the first book of Euclid (that the base angles of an isosceles triangle are equal)
any problem hard for beginners

Origin: ModL, lit., bridge of asses

See pons asinorum in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

A problem that severely tests the ability of an inexperienced person.

Origin:

Origin: New Latin pōns asinōrum, bridge of fools (nickname of the Fifth Proposition in the Elements of Euclid, due to its difficulty)

Origin: : Latin pōns, bridge

Origin: + Latin asinōrum

Origin: , genitive pl. of asinus, ass, fool

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