Opening something that was folded, or the gradual revealing or development of something over time.
From Old English 'unfealdan,' combining 'un-' (not/reverse) and 'fold.' The metaphorical meaning (events unfolding) developed because we describe time's progression using spatial language.
We describe time using spatial words because our brains literally think of the future as being in front of us and the past behind us. When we say 'events are unfolding,' we're treating time like a map spreading out before us!
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