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

“We try to raise awareness, but in the end it's either the settlers steal the olives or cut the trees, or they remain unpicked and go to waste.”

From BBC

There is a lot to unpick - from farmers relying on passing on large family farms inheritance tax-free to the scrapping of non-domicile arrangements raising £5bn in one year.

From BBC

It is a Budget that will be unpacked and unpicked for months, perhaps years to come.

From BBC

“Trying to unpick our history is not the right way forward”, he said.

From BBC

To discuss this question and the implications of housebuilding on a scale not seen for 50 years, I hosted a debate between three housing experts on WhatsApp to unpick what Britain should do about housing.

From BBC