unravel

• Verbe utilisé pour décrire le processus de démêler, de détacher ou de résoudre quelque chose de complexe ou d'embrouillé, tant au sens propre qu'au sens figuré.

A verb used to describe the process of undoing, untangling, or solving something that is complex or knotted, either literally or figuratively.

1. Untangle threadsB1formal

   To separate the threads of a knitted, woven, or tangled material.

   Démêler des fils

   • She carefully unraveled the tangled yarn.
   • The sweater began to unravel at the seams.
   • He tried to unravel the knot in the rope.

   Synonymesdisentanglefreeloosenseparateunpickuntangleuntwistunwind

   Antonymesentangleravelsnarltangle

2. Solve a mysteryB2formal

   To explain or solve something that is complicated or mysterious.

   Élucider un mystère

   • The detective worked hard to unravel the crime.
   • Scientists are trying to unravel the secrets of the universe.
   • The documentary unravels the truth behind the scandal.

   Synonymesclear updecipherexplainfigure outresolvesolveuntangle

   Antonymescomplicateconfuseentangleobfuscatetangle

3. Fail or collapseB2informal

   To cause something to fail or fall apart, often gradually.

   échouer / s'effondrer

   • Their plans began to unravel after the budget cuts.
   • The company's reputation started to unravel due to the scandal.
   • The team's strategy unraveled in the final minutes of the game.

   Synonymesbreak downcollapsecrumbledisintegratefall apartgo to pieces

   Antonymesflourishprospersucceedthrive