Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

pull-a-thread

idiom

pʊl ə θrɛd

Definition

To begin to examine a situation or problem that reveals further complications or underlying issues.

Examples

When she started to pull a thread on the company’s budget, she uncovered a series of financial discrepancies.
He didn’t realize that pulling a thread in his friend’s story would lead to a revelation about their past.

Meaning

The phrase ‘pull a thread’ often suggests starting to investigate or question something that may lead to discovering additional or hidden troubles, similar to how pulling on a thread can unravel a piece of fabric.