切きり解ほどく

godan verb (-ku), transitive verb

cut open (a tied bundle); release (prisoners)

Literally means to cut and untie. Used for cutting the ropes or bindings of a tied bundle, or figuratively for releasing prisoners from bonds. The 'release prisoners' sense is rare and literary.

• 盗とう賊ぞくは縄なわを切きり解ほどいて逃にげた。

  The bandit cut the rope loose and escaped.

• 荷に物もつのひもを切きり解ほどく。

  I cut open the bundle's cord.