desdobrar

Senses

1. 1.

   to unfold, to open out

   to open something that was folded (paper, cloth, map, etc.)

2. 2.

   to split, to divide

   to separate into parts or multiple elements

3. 3.

   to go out of one's way, to bend over backwards

   to make extraordinary effort; to exert oneself greatly (reflexive: desdobrar-se)

4. 4.

   to unfold, to develop

   to evolve or expand (events, situations, plans)

Examples

• "Ela desdobrou o mapa para encontrar a rua."

  She unfolded the map to find the street.

• "A professora se desdobra para ajudar todos os alunos."

  The teacher bends over backwards to help all the students.

• "Vamos desdobrar essa turma em dois grupos menores."

  We're going to split this class into two smaller groups.

Usage

Very common in the reflexive form "desdobrar-se" meaning to make extraordinary efforts or multitask intensely. Often used in business contexts to mean splitting shifts, teams, or resources. The literal meaning of unfolding is less common than the figurative senses.