unlace

Everyday

1. To undo the laces of something, such as shoes, boots or a corset. tree →
2. To loosen or open something by pulling out its laces. tree →

In the lessons

An everyday word: we unlace our boots after a muddy walk. In old stories, ladies' dresses and corsets were laced up tightly, and fainting characters had their stays unlaced. Phrases: «unlace your shoes/boots».

Examples

• Unlace your football boots before you take them off. tree →
• She unlaced her skates and rubbed her cold feet. tree →
• The soldier sat down and unlaced his heavy boots. tree →
• My little brother can lace his shoes but not unlace the knots. tree →
• Toad unlaced his gaiters in front of the fire. tree →
• Unlacing wet boots is hard when your fingers are cold. tree →

Note

Regular verb: unlaced, unlacing (drop the e before -ing). «Un-» means undoing: lace → unlace, tie → untie.