Unravel

/ʌnˈrævəl/

Meaning & Definition

verb

to undo or separate the threads of something woven or tangled.

She took a moment to unravel the tangled strands of thread before starting her sewing project.

to clarify or solve a complex problem or mystery.

The detective worked tirelessly to unravel the mystery behind the missing painting.

to become unwound or undone.

As the stress of the week increased, he felt his patience begin to unravel.

Middle English 'unravelen', from 'un-' + 'ravel' (to tangle).

unravel the mystery

To solve or explain something that is complex or puzzling.

unravel the story

To disclose the sequence of events or plot in a narrative.

unravel someone's plan

To expose or thwart another's organized approach.

ravel

To tangle or confuse; the opposite action of unravel.

untangle

To separate something that is tangled or knotted.

To come apart at the seams or fail dramatically.

After the argument, everything just started to unravel.

To lose control of one's emotions or situation.

She was fine until she heard the news, then she completely unraveled.