Unravel

To unravel means to become undone or disentangled; to separate the threads or strands of something woven, knitted, or twisted. It can also refer to the process of solving or clarifying something complex, such as a mystery, a situation, or a narrative. Figuratively, it signifies the revealing or revealing of hidden or confusing information, causing the understanding of something intricate to become clear. Moreover, it describes the decline or disintegration of a process, relationship, or system. It emphasizes the progressive unfolding or breakdown of a once-connected whole.

Unravel meaning with examples

• The detective meticulously worked to unravel the complicated web of lies and deception that shrouded the murder case, piece by painstaking piece. Each interview, each clue, brought him closer to the truth, slowly unraveling the mystery behind the victim's death. The culprit's motive and identity were soon laid bare.
• As the old tapestry aged, the threads began to unravel, revealing its aged and worn backing. Eventually, the intricate pattern started to become lost, a testament to time and the ravages of its touch. The once-beautiful work slowly and steadily lost its beauty as it began to fall apart through decay.
• Years of therapy helped the patient unravel the emotional trauma of her childhood, allowing her to confront and understand the roots of her anxiety. The patient was slowly able to come to terms with her childhood, as the emotional and psychological knots were dealt with and eventually diminished.
• The company's financial crisis began to unravel when its fraudulent accounting practices came to light. Investors and creditors started to pull out. The company then quickly spiraled downwards due to a lack of funds, and public trust in the system had eroded. The company would soon collapse.