(unravels, unravelling, unravelled)
Note: in AM, use 'unraveling', 'unraveled'
1.
If something such as a plan or system unravels, it breaks up or begins to fail.
His government began to unravel because of a banking scandal...
VERB: V
2.
If you unravel something that is knotted, woven, or knitted, or if it unravels, it becomes one straight piece again or separates into its different threads.
He was good with his hands and could unravel a knot or untangle yarn that others wouldn't even attempt...
The stairway carpet is so frayed it threatens to unravel.
VERB: V n, V
3.
If you unravel a mystery or puzzle, or if it unravels, it gradually becomes clearer and you can work out the answer to it.
A young mother has flown to Iceland to unravel the mystery of her husband's disappearance...
Gradually, with an intelligent use of flashbacks, Yves' story unravels.
VERB: V n, V