unpick

/ˌʌnˈpɪk/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌʌnˈpɪk/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌən-ˈpik How to pronounce unpick (audio)/ (ame, mw)

unpick — 動詞

  • 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

1.動詞及物B2
釋義

拆縫線

拆掉縫紉的針腳

To pull out the thread that holds sewn fabric together, typically to correct an error, alter a garment's length, or reuse the material.

例句

Beatrix carefully unpicked the crooked seam and sewed it again straight.

Beatrix 小心地拆掉縫歪的接縫線，然後重新縫直。

unpick + [seam/stitches/hem] — sewing object

Gita unpicked the hem of the dress to make it longer for her daughter.

Gita 拆掉裙子的褶邊，把裙子改長給女兒穿。

同義詞
  • 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

反義詞
  • sew

    the opposite action — putting stitches in rather than taking them out

  • stitch

    to join fabric with thread, the reverse of unpicking

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

❌She unpicked the thread with scissors.
✅She unpicked the stitches one by one with a seam ripper.
💡'unpick' means removing stitches carefully, not cutting the thread roughly; a seam ripper or needle is the usual tool.

2. To carefully examine a complicated idea, problem, or situation by separating it

2.動詞及物C1
釋義

剖析

仔細分析複雜議題

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.

例句

The committee unpicked the proposal clause by clause before voting on it.

委員會逐條剖析提案，之後才進行投票。

unpick + [proposal/argument] clause by clause — thorough method

Vinícius sat alone in his study, unpicking the arguments in the philosopher's difficult text.

Vinícius 獨自坐在書房，仔細剖析那位哲學家艱澀文本中的論點。

同義詞
  • 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

反義詞
  • accept

    to take an idea as valid without breaking it into parts

  • overlook

    to fail to examine details, the opposite of careful analysis

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

❌She unpicked the recipe to see if it was healthy.
✅She unpicked the government's economic plan to see if it would work.
💡'unpick' is used for complex intellectual subjects (theories, policies, arguments), not everyday items like recipes.

3. To gradually damage or erase the positive results of someone's hard work, decisi

3.動詞及物C1
釋義

逐步破壞

逐漸破壞已有的成果

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.

例句

Each new regulation unpicked the progress the team had made over two years.

每一項新法規都在逐步破壞團隊兩年來的進步。

unpick + [progress/improvements] — gradual negative effect

The new CEO's decisions systematically unpicked everything his predecessor had built.

新任執行長的一系列決策系統性地破壞了前任所建立的一切。

同義詞
  • undo

    broader — can be neutral ('undo a mistake') or physical; 'unpick' always implies gradual dismantling

  • dismantle

    stronger — suggests taking apart a system or structure deliberately

  • erode

    focuses on the slow wearing-away aspect, often used for trust or confidence

反義詞
  • 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.

常見錯誤

❌The storm unpicked the roof of the house.
✅The new rules unpicked the reforms the previous government had introduced.
💡'unpick' describes gradual, systematic damage to abstract things (trust, progress, reforms), not physical destruction by a natural event.