unpicks

Verb

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

1. To undo sewing stitches.

   Synonyms:

   unstitch

2. To undo knitting in order to reuse the wool.
3. To unravel or untangle the threads of a rope etc.
4. (figuratively) To unfold; to solve.
   • 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.2020 October 11, Lisa Geddes, “Calling all sneezers: scientists try to unpick mystery of 'photosneezia'”, in The Guardian
5. (figuratively) To disassemble, to undo.
   • 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.2011 January 25, Paul Fletcher, “Arsenal 3 - 0 Ipswich (agg 3 - 1)”, in BBC
6. (figuratively) To take apart; criticize harshly.
   • These compulsive men – and a handful of equally obsessive ‘femcels’ – have been likened to terrorists, and their forum posts have been unpicked ad nauseam.2020 February 19, Jake Hall, “Investigating the insidious rise of the gay incel”, in Dazed

See all 7 meanings of unpick