unpick

Etymology

From Middle English unpiken, equivalent to un- + pick.

verb

1. (sewing">sewing) To undo sewing">sewing stitches.
2. (knitting">knitting) To undo knitting">knitting in order to reuse the wool.
3. To unravel or untangle the threads of a rope etc.
4. (figurative) 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. 2020-10-11, Lisa Geddes, “Calling all sneezers: scientists try to unpick mystery of 'photosneezia'”, in The Guardian
   We're going to hazard a guess that 'apple cider vinegar benefits' has been something you've typed into Google a time or two, trying to unpick exactly why your best wellness mate has said you just have to try it. 2023-04-17, Rebecca Gillam, Kate Wills, “8 Apple cider vinegar benefits for weight loss, digestion & soothing hangover symptoms”, in Women's Health
5. (figurative) 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. January 25, 2011, Paul Fletcher, “Arsenal 3 - 0 Ipswich (agg 3 - 1)”, in BBC
   Any plan to unpick the carefully constructed compromise to keep the Irish border free of checkpoints will enrage other European governments, especially Dublin’s. 2020-09-07, Martin Farrer, “Monday briefing: Johnson plans to unpick Brexit treaty”, in The Guardian
6. (figurative) To take apart, to 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. 19 February 2020, Jake Hall, “Investigating the insidious rise of the gay incel”, in Dazed