unpick
/ˌʌnˈpɪk/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌʌnˈpɪk/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌən-ˈpik How to pronounce unpick (audio)/ (ame, mw)
unpick — verb
- unpickpresent simple I / you / we / they
- unpickshe / she / it
- unpickedpast simple
- unpicking-ing form
1. To pull out the thread that holds sewn fabric together, typically to correct an
To pull out the thread that holds sewn fabric together, typically to correct an error, alter a garment's length, or reuse the material.
Beatrix carefully unpicked the crooked seam and sewed it again straight.
unpick + [seam/stitches/hem] — sewing object
Gita unpicked the hem of the dress to make it longer for her daughter.
Instead of cutting the fabric, the tailor unpicked the stitches one by one.
Hassan unpicked the torn pocket and replaced it with a new piece of cloth.
Nadia spent an hour unpicking the embroidery after she noticed the wrong colour thread.
- undo
more general — undoing a button or a knot, not specific to sewing stitches
- remove stitches
explanatory phrase, not a single-word synonym; clarifies the action for learners
文法句型
unpick + [stitches/seam/hem]
用法筆記
Object is typically a seam, hem, stitch, pocket, or item of clothing. The focus is on removing stitches carefully, not cutting the fabric.
常見錯誤
2. To carefully examine a complicated idea, problem, or situation by separating it
To carefully examine a complicated idea, problem, or situation by separating it into its parts, in order to understand it better or find hidden faults.
The committee unpicked the proposal clause by clause before voting on it.
unpick + [proposal/argument] clause by clause — thorough method
Vinícius sat alone in his study, unpicking the arguments in the philosopher's difficult text.
Dylan unpicked the data from the experiment to find where the results had gone wrong.
The journalist unpicked the government's policy and exposed its hidden weaknesses.
Marta and her students unpicked the poem line by line to discover its hidden meaning.
- dissect
more dramatic — suggests cutting apart with the intent to criticise or destroy
- analyse
broader and more neutral — does not carry the same methodical, piece-by-piece connotation
- deconstruct
suggests a formal critical approach, common in academic writing
文法句型
unpick + [argument/theory/policy/text]
用法筆記
Subject is typically a person or group doing intellectual work. Object is commonly an argument, theory, policy, plan, or text. The verb suggests methodical, step-by-step analysis rather than a quick overview.
常見錯誤
3. To gradually damage or erase the positive results of someone's hard work, decisi
To gradually damage or erase the positive results of someone's hard work, decisions, or achievements, often by a series of small actions rather than one big event.
Each new regulation unpicked the progress the team had made over two years.
unpick + [progress/improvements] — gradual negative effect
The new CEO's decisions systematically unpicked everything his predecessor had built.
Sofie watched helplessly as budget cuts unpicked years of community projects.
One careless comment from the manager unpicked all the trust the staff had gained.
Henry's critics tried to unpick his reputation, but he refused to be discouraged.
- build
to create or develop, the opposite of destroying someone's achievements
- strengthen
to make something stronger, the reverse of gradual damage
文法句型
unpick + [progress/trust/achievements/reputation]
用法筆記
Object is typically the positive outcome of effort — progress, trust, reputation, achievements, relationships. Often used in political, organisational, or social contexts where work is undone bit by bit.