(~s, ~ling, ~led)
Note: in AM, use '~ing', '~ed'
1.
If something such as a plan or system ~s, it breaks up or begins to fail.
His government began to ~ because of a banking scandal...
VERB: V
2.
If you ~ something that is knotted, woven, or knitted, or if it ~s, it becomes one straight piece again or separates into its different threads.
He was good with his hands and could ~ a knot or untangle yarn that others wouldn’t even attempt...
The stairway carpet is so frayed it threatens to ~.
VERB: V n, V
3.
If you ~ a mystery or puzzle, or if it ~s, it gradually becomes clearer and you can work out the answer to it.
A young mother has flown to Iceland to ~ the mystery of her husband’s disappearance...
Gradually, with an intelligent use of flashbacks, Yves’ story ~s.
VERB: V n, V