demystifying

Definition

Taking something reputed to be opaque or magical and showing how it actually works, usually through systematic measurement and ablation. A title beginning "Demystifying" promises an analysis paper rather than a new method: the contribution is understanding why an existing system performs as it does. Such papers frequently deflate prior claims, so expect careful controls rather than a headline number.

Explainers using this term

• Paper Explainer: Why Agent Skills Work — and Where They BreakDemystifying Agent Skills: Why They Work-Until They Don't