unpick

verb

1. To undo sewing stitches.
2. To undo knitting in order to reuse the wool.
3. To unravel or untangle the threads of a rope etc.
4. (figuratively)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.”

   “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.”

5. (figuratively)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.”

   “Any plan to unpick the carefully constructed compromise to keep the Irish border free of checkpoints will enrage other European governments, especially Dublin’s.”

6. (figuratively)To take apart; 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.”

7. (transitive)To deselect.