unfold
unfold — 動詞
1. to take something that was previously folded and make it lie flat by opening its
展開
將摺疊的東西打開攤平
to take something that was previously folded and make it lie flat by opening its folds or sections
Sophia unfolded the map on the kitchen table and traced the route with her finger.
Sophia 在廚房桌上展開地圖，用手指描出路線。
transitive: unfold + physical object (map, letter, blanket)
The morning glory in Marta's garden unfolds its petals at dawn each day.
Marta 花園裡的牽牛花每天黎明時展開花瓣。
Wei carefully unfolded the letter from his grandmother and read it again.
Wei 小心翼翼地展開祖母寄來的信，又讀了一遍。
These folding chairs unfold in seconds and lock firmly into place.
這些折疊椅幾秒鐘就能展開並牢牢固定住。
Christopher unfolded the blanket and spread it across the grass for the picnic.
Christopher 展開毯子，鋪在草地上準備野餐。
- open
more general; can apply to anything closed, not just items with folds
- spread out
emphasises covering a surface; phrasal verb, slightly more informal
- unfurl
used for rolled items like flags, sails, or umbrellas; more literary
文法句型
unfold + noun phrase (transitive)
noun phrase + unfold (intransitive)
用法筆記
Can be transitive (a person unfolds something) or intransitive (something unfolds by itself). In intransitive use, the subject is typically an object with folds or a mechanical item designed to fold up.
常見錯誤
2. to happen or develop gradually so that people can see or understand the full pic
展現；發展
事情或故事逐步變得清楚
to happen or develop gradually so that people can see or understand the full picture
The plot of the novel unfolds slowly, keeping readers guessing until the final chapter.
這本小說的劇情慢慢展現，讓讀者一直猜到最後一章。
intransitive: plot/story unfolds for narrative development
As the meeting unfolded, it was clear that the team disagreed on the budget.
隨著會議的進行，團隊對預算的看法不一變得越來越清楚。
The political crisis unfolded over several weeks, with new details appearing each day.
這場政治危機持續了數週，每天都有新的細節出現。
Hassan watched the events unfold on the news, unable to look away from the screen.
Hassan 看著新聞中事件的發展，無法將目光從螢幕上移開。
The story of how they met unfolded during dinner, surprising everyone at the table.
他們相識的故事在晚餐時逐漸明朗，讓在座所有人都感到驚訝。
- remain unclear
when information or events stay hidden or confusing
文法句型
noun phrase (situation/story) + unfold
用法筆記
Always intransitive. The subject is an event, situation, story, or sequence — never a person. The focus is on the process becoming visible to an observer, not on someone actively revealing it.
常見錯誤
3. to share the full details of a plan, story, or series of events with someone for
透露；說明
講述或解釋原本不清楚的事
to share the full details of a plan, story, or series of events with someone for the first time
During the interview, the director unfolded his plans for the new film.
訪談中，導演透露了他對新電影的計劃。
transitive: unfold + plans, vision, or proposals
Olivia unfolded the details of the surprise party to her closest friends.
Olivia 向她最親近的朋友們透露了驚喜派對的細節。
pattern: unfold details of [something] to [someone]
The detective slowly unfolded the sequence of events that led to the robbery.
偵探慢慢地說明導致搶劫案的一連串事件。
Renata unfolded her vision for the project during the team meeting.
Renata 在團隊會議上說明了她對該計畫的願景。
Cyrus unfolded the whole story to his mother after years of keeping it secret.
Cyrus 在隱瞞多年後，向母親說出了整件事情的經過。
文法句型
unfold + noun phrase (plan/story/details)
用法筆記
Transitive with a human subject. Distinguish from sense 2: here a person actively reveals information; in sense 2 the situation itself gradually becomes clear without anyone making it happen.