unravel

/ʌnˈrævəl/

to untangle

She tried to unravel the tangled yarn.

She attempted to separate the yarn into a single thread.

general

To separate tangled threads, fibers, or similar material into a single, smooth line.

The detective had to unravel the complex knot of clues to find the culprit.

The detective needed to sort out the confusing clues to identify the criminal.

After hours of work, they finally unraveled the rope.

After many minutes, they managed to loosen and straighten the rope.

Used for physical objects (rope, yarn) as well as abstract problems.

general

To make clear or explain a complicated situation, mystery, or problem.

The journalist unraveled the scandal by interviewing key witnesses.

The journalist clarified the scandal by talking to important witnesses.

Scientists are still trying to unravel how the virus spreads.

Scientists are still attempting to understand the virus's transmission.

Often paired with nouns like "mystery," "problem," "plot," or "complexity."

English Dictionary