unpick

From Middle English unpiken, equivalent to un- +‎ pick.

• Rhymes: -ɪk

unpick (third-person singular simple present unpicks, present participle unpicking, simple past and past participle unpicked)

1. (sewing) To undo sewing stitches.

   Synonym: unstitch

2. (knitting) To undo knitting in order to reuse the wool.
3. To unravel or untangle the threads of a rope etc.
4. (figurative) To unfold; to solve.
   • 2020 October 11, Lisa Geddes, “Calling all sneezers: scientists try to unpick mystery of 'photosneezia'”, in The Guardian‎^[1]:

     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.

   • 2023 April 17, Rebecca Gillam, Kate Wills, “8 Apple cider vinegar benefits for weight loss, digestion & soothing hangover symptoms”, in Women's Health‎^[2]:

     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.

5. (figuratively) To disassemble, to undo.
   • 2011 January 25, Paul Fletcher, “Arsenal 3 - 0 Ipswich (agg 3 - 1)”, in BBC‎^[3]:

     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.

   • 2020 September 7, Martin Farrer, “Monday briefing: Johnson plans to unpick Brexit treaty”, in The Guardian‎^[4]:

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

6. (figuratively) To take apart; criticize harshly.
   • 2020 February 19, Jake Hall, “Investigating the insidious rise of the gay incel”, in Dazed:

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

7. (transitive) To deselect.

• unpack