unravel

unravel
(unravelled, unravelling, unraveled, unraveling)
[with obj.]
  1. undo (twisted, knitted, or woven threads)
    (使)解开,(使)松开(缠绕、编织物等)
    ■[no obj.](of twisted, knitted, or woven threads) become undone
    (缠绕、编织物等)解开;松开
    part of the crew neck had unravelled.
    (毛衣)圆领部分脱线了。
    ■unwind (something wrapped around another object)
    打开,剥开(包裹物)
    he unravelled the cellophane from a small cigar.
    他把玻璃纸从雪茄上剥了下来。
  2. investigate and solve or explain (something complicated or puzzling)
    弄清;解决;阐明(复杂问题)
    they were attempting to unravel the cause of death.
    他们试图解开死亡之谜。
    ■[no obj.]begin to fail or collapse
    崩溃;瓦解;失败
    his painstaking diplomacy of the last eight months could quickly unravel.
    他八个月来的辛苦外交努力可在转眼间化为泡影。
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