Definition
揭开 is a resultative verb compound (揭 + 开) meaning 'to uncover' or 'to reveal'. It works both literally (揭開鍋蓋 'lift the pot lid') and figuratively (揭開真相 'reveal the truth'). The second character 开 indicates the result of separating or opening, making the action more complete than 揭 alone. In formal or journalistic contexts, you often see it with nouns like 谜底 (answer to a riddle), 序幕 (prologue), or 面纱 (veil).
r.v.
to uncover (lit. or fig.)to reveal
Examples
- 揭开，。Tā mànmàn jiē kāi le guō gài, yì gǔ xiāng qì piāo le chū lái.He slowly lifted the pot lid, and a puff of fragrance wafted out.
- 揭开。Jìzhě jīngguò diàochá jiē kāi le shìjiàn de zhēnxiàng.After investigating, the reporter uncovered the truth of the incident.
- 揭开。Zhè bù jìlùpiàn jiē kāi le nà duàn lìshǐ de shénmì miànshā.This documentary lifted the mysterious veil over that period of history.
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