unpick

[ uhn-pik ]

verb (used with object)

1. to take out the stitches of (sewing, knitting, etc.).

unpick

/ ʌnˈpɪk /

verb

1. to undo (the stitches) of (a piece of sewing)
2. to unravel or undo (a garment, etc)
3. obsolete.
   to open (a door, lock, etc) by picking

Word History and Origins

Origin of unpick¹

1350–1400 for earlier sense; 1770–80 for current sense; Middle English unpiken to pick (a lock); un- ², pick ¹

Example Sentences

Again, it’s something that requires a lot of scientific knowledge and insight into the different solutions to really unpick it.

From Digiday

From understanding data and reviewing tech stacks, processes and teams, to investigating different identifier solutions and testing contextual solutions, there’s a lot for marketers to unpick.

From Digiday

With it came a surge of subscribers as readers looked to the Economist to unpick the impact on the economy, politics, culture and more.

From Digiday

One of the biggest challenges in trying to explain China’s role in Africa is that is often involves unpicking long-established narratives.

From Quartz

He is due to face questioning by the police later this week, as they attempt to unpick the details of this amazing case.

From The Daily Beast

Connie, if we can unpick the lock and get the door open, where shall we go?

From Project Gutenberg

You won't unpick the sewing on the American cloth too, will you?

From Project Gutenberg

In this case, unpick the cuffs if possible, if not, cut them off close up.

From Project Gutenberg

She flung down the skirt that she was helping to unpick and let the scissors fall to the ground.

From Project Gutenberg

He makes a frantic endeavour to unpick the stitches, finally giving it up in despair.

From Project Gutenberg