unglue
C1informal, occasionally figurative
Definition
Meaning
To separate something that was stuck together with glue.
To detach, disconnect, or become unstuck from a person, idea, or situation, often with difficulty; to cause a loss of cohesion or concentration.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a transitive verb. In its figurative sense, it implies a forced or difficult separation from something one was intensely focused on or attached to.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is very similar in both varieties. The figurative sense ('unglued from the screen') might be slightly more frequent in American English.
Connotations
Neutral for the literal sense; slightly negative or humorous for the figurative sense, implying an unhealthy fixation that needs breaking.
Frequency
Low-frequency word in both dialects. More common in DIY/contexts than in general speech.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] unglue [Object] (from [Prepositional Phrase])Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “come unglued (chiefly US: to become emotionally upset or lose composure)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare; potentially used metaphorically in change management: 'We need to unglue the team from outdated processes.'
Academic
Very rare; used only in literal, material science contexts.
Everyday
Used in DIY, crafting, and parent-child contexts ('I had to unglue his hand from the cookie jar'). Figurative use is informal.
Technical
Used in conservation/restoration ('The conservator will carefully unglue the veneer') and manufacturing/repair.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- You'll need a thin blade to unglue the photo from the album page without tearing it.
- He was so glued to the football match I couldn't unglue him for dinner.
American English
- To fix the model plane, first you have to unglue the broken wing.
- I told my kid to unglue himself from the video game and go outside.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The children tried to unglue the two LEGO bricks.
- Can you unglue this stamp from the envelope?
- Restorers must sometimes unglue historical documents from damaging old backing.
- After the accident, mechanics had to unglue the car door from the frame.
- The new policy aims to unglue public opinion from deeply entrenched misconceptions.
- His therapist helped him unglue his self-worth from his professional achievements.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'UN-do the GLUE-ing.' It's the reverse action of gluing.
Conceptual Metaphor
ATTACHMENT IS BEING GLUED / DETACHMENT IS UNGLUING.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid literal translation to Russian as 'расклеить' which is less common. Prefer 'отклеить' for literal, 'оторвать' or 'отделить' for figurative.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'deglue' (non-existent). Confusing with 'unglued' (adjective). Incorrect preposition: 'unglue of' instead of 'unglue from'.
Practice
Quiz
In its figurative sense, 'to unglue someone from something' primarily implies:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is a standard, though low-frequency, verb meaning to separate something that has been glued.
'Unglue' is more specific, implying the adhesive was glue. 'Unstick' is more general for any sticky substance (tape, paste, gum).
Rarely. The common intransitive phrase is the adjective 'come unglued' (meaning to fall apart or lose composure). The verb is almost always transitive.
It is recognisable but not highly common. It serves as a vivid, informal metaphor for breaking an intense focus or attachment.