Pays out and relaxes (7)

I believe the answer is:

unwinds

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'relaxes' is the definition.
('unwind' can be a synonym of 'relax')

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for unwinds that I've seen before include "Becomes less tense and relaxes" , "Rests and becomes less tense" , "Relaxes; pays out (thread)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

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