Also means
take place, unfold (events)
Usage Note
Dérouler literally means to unroll something like a scroll or carpet. The reflexive se dérouler is the common idiom meaning 'to take place' or 'to unfold': la cérémonie s'est bien déroulée ('the ceremony went smoothly'). The two senses are closely linked by the image of events 'unrolling'.
Examples
"La fête s'est bien déroulée hier soir."
Natural Translation
The party went well last night.
Literal Translation
The party unrolled well last evening.
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