UNRAVEL


Meaning of UNRAVEL in English

transcription, транскрипция: [ ʌnræv(ə)l ]

( unravels, unravelling, unravelled)

Note: in AM, use 'unraveling', 'unraveled'

1.

If something such as a plan or system unravels , it breaks up or begins to fail.

His government began to unravel because of a banking scandal...

VERB : V

2.

If you unravel something that is knotted, woven, or knitted, or if it unravels , it becomes one straight piece again or separates into its different threads.

He was good with his hands and could unravel a knot or untangle yarn that others wouldn’t even attempt...

The stairway carpet is so frayed it threatens to unravel.

VERB : V n , V

3.

If you unravel a mystery or puzzle, or if it unravels , it gradually becomes clearer and you can work out the answer to it.

A young mother has flown to Iceland to unravel the mystery of her husband’s disappearance...

Gradually, with an intelligent use of flashbacks, Yves’ story unravels.

VERB : V n , V

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner's English Dictionary.      Английский словарь Коллинз COBUILD для изучающих язык на продвинутом уровне.