This is the 9586th most frequent French word.
démêler
To untangle or sort out.
The term 'démêler' is used to describe analyzing and making sense out of scattered or cryptic pieces of information.
Le détective a pu démêler les indices pour résoudre l'enquête.
The detective was able to untangle the clues to solve the investigation.
In this case, 'démêler' has its literal meaning of untangling physical objects, specifically hair.
Marie essaie de démêler ses cheveux après la baignade.
Marie tries to untangle her hair after swimming.
Here, 'démêler' is used metaphorically to refer to understanding or clarifying a complicated situation.