Definition

1. Verb:
   • To open, unfold, or spread out something that is rolled or furled.
   • To reverse the process of winding or twisting, causing something to become straight or flat.

Usage

• The verb "unroll" is typically used with a direct object (transitive). It describes the action of making a rolled-up object flat and extended.
• It can also be used intransitively (without a direct object) to describe the state of something becoming unrolled by itself.

Examples

• Transitive use (with an object):
  • Please unroll the sleeping bag before you lie down.
  • The scribe carefully unrolled the ancient scroll.
• Intransitive use (without an object):
  • The carpet unrolled smoothly across the floor.
  • As the banner fell, it unrolled to reveal a welcome message.

Advanced Usage

• "unroll itself": Used to emphasize the object performing the action, often for dramatic or descriptive effect.
  • The map unrolled itself with a snap when she released the ties.

Variants and Related Words

• Unfurl: A close synonym, often used for flags, sails, or banners. (e.g., )
• Unwind: Primarily means to relax, but can also mean to undo something wound, especially thread or wire. (e.g., )
• Unfold: To open something that is folded, like a piece of paper or a chair. (e.g., )
• Spread out: A more general phrase meaning to extend over an area. (e.g., )

Synonyms

• Unfurl
• Unwind
• Unfold
• Open out
• Straighten out

Antonyms

• Roll up
• Wind up
• Furl
• Fold

Phrasal Verbs / Common Collocations

• Unroll onto: To spread something out onto a surface.
  • He unrolled the blueprint onto the large table.
• Unroll before someone: To reveal something figuratively.
  • The guide unrolled the history of the city before the fascinated tourists. (This is a metaphorical use.)

Related Idioms / Figurative Use

• "Unroll the red carpet": A figurative idiom meaning to give someone a very grand or formal welcome. It derives from the literal act of unrolling a red carpet for VIPs.
  • The company unrolled the red carpet for the visiting executives.
• "A plan unrolls": Used metaphorically to describe a plan or sequence of events becoming clear or being put into action.
  • We watched as the evacuation plan unrolled with perfect precision.

Verb

1. unroll, unfold, or spread out or be unrolled, unfolded, or spread out from a furled state
   • unfurl a banner
2. reverse the winding or twisting of
   • unwind a ball of yarn