unpick

present singular third person unpicks · participle present unpicking · participle past unpicked · past unpicked

1. businessTo undo sewing stitches.

   Synonyms: unstitch

2. businessTo undo knitting in order to reuse the wool.
3. To unravel or untangle the threads of a rope etc.
4. figurativelyTo unfold; to solve.

   Scientists are attempting to unpick the mystery of the “photic sneeze” – a bizarre reflex that causes people to sternutate, or sneeze, in response to bright light – and they need your help.

   2020 October 11, Lisa Geddes, “Calling all sneezers: scientists try to unpick mystery of 'photosneezia'”, in The Guardian

   1 more example

   We're going to hazard a guess that 'apple cider vinegar benefits' has been something you've typed into Google a time or two, trying to unpick exactly why your best wellness mate has said you just have to try it.

   2023 April 17, Rebecca Gillam, Kate Wills, “8 Apple cider vinegar benefits for weight loss, digestion & soothing hangover symptoms”, in Women's Health

5. figurativelyTo disassemble, to undo.

   Any plan to unpick the carefully constructed compromise to keep the Irish border free of checkpoints will enrage other European governments, especially Dublin’s.

   2020 September 7, Martin Farrer, “Monday briefing: Johnson plans to unpick Brexit treaty”, in The Guardian

   1 more example

   The home team eventually started to unpick the Town defence and Fabregas forced a saved from visiting goalkeeper Marton Fulop after collecting a pass from Bendtner, who played on the right side of the front line.

   2011 January 25, Paul Fletcher, “Arsenal 3 - 0 Ipswich (agg 3 - 1)”, in BBC

6. figurativelyTo take apart; criticize harshly.

   These compulsive men – and a handful of equally obsessive ‘femcels’ – have been likened to terrorists, and their forum posts have been unpicked ad nauseam.

   2020 February 19, Jake Hall, “Investigating the insidious rise of the gay incel”, in Dazed

7. transitiveTo deselect.