A riddle is a type of puzzle or problem that is posed in the form of a question, description, or statement, which typically has a hidden meaning or solution. It is designed to challenge one’s intellect and creativity, often requiring thought, wit, or lateral thinking to uncover the answer. Riddles are common in literature, games, and folklore, and they can be both fun and educational. In Indonesian, the word “teka-teki” is commonly used to refer to a riddle or puzzle.
Synonyms:
- Puzzle
- Conundrum
- Enigma
- Mystery
- Brainteaser
- Question
- Problem
- Challenge
- Test
- Paradox
Example Sentences:
- The riddle of the Sphinx in Greek mythology was one of the most famous puzzles in history.
- The detective solved the riddle of the missing jewels by examining the clues carefully.
- She loves solving riddles, especially the tricky ones that require creative thinking.
- The teacher gave the students a fun riddle to solve at the beginning of the lesson.
- His question seemed like a riddle, and no one could figure out the answer right away.
- The riddle posed by the ancient manuscript remains unsolved to this day.
- She couldn’t resist trying to solve the riddle her friend had sent her via text.
- The riddle in the novel was crucial to understanding the protagonist’s journey.
- It took hours, but eventually, they cracked the riddle of the strange symbols on the wall.
- The child’s mind was sharp, quickly solving riddles that stumped the adults.
Related Words:
- Puzzle
- Conundrum
- Mystery
- Brainteaser
- Enigma
- Problem
- Question
- Challenge
- Test
- Paradox
Related Phrasal Verbs:
- Figure out (to solve or understand a riddle or problem)
- Work out (to come up with a solution or answer to a riddle)
- Come up with (to generate an answer or idea for a riddle)
- Crack the code (to solve a difficult riddle or puzzle)
- Put together (to combine clues and solve a riddle)
- Get to the bottom of (to solve or uncover the solution to a riddle)
- Play with (to experiment or toy with possible solutions to a riddle)
- Look into (to investigate a riddle or mystery further)
- Run through (to go over various possibilities in an attempt to solve a riddle)
- Break down (to analyze a riddle in detail to find its solution)
Idiomatic Expressions:
- A tough nut to crack (something that is difficult to solve, similar to a challenging riddle)
- Out of left field (an unexpected question or solution that surprises, like a riddle)
- In the dark (to be confused or unaware of the answer to a riddle)
- Riddle me this (a common phrase used to introduce a question or riddle)
- The answer’s in plain sight (refers to a riddle where the solution is obvious once you see it)
- Not all it’s cracked up to be (something that seems complex, like a riddle, but is simpler than expected)
- A piece of the puzzle (a clue that helps solve a riddle or problem)
- Leave no stone unturned (to explore every possibility when trying to solve a riddle)
- A question of life and death (an extremely important riddle or problem with significant consequences)
- In a bind (a situation where solving the riddle is crucial but difficult)
A riddle is not just about finding the answer—it’s about the process of discovery and the satisfaction of unlocking a mystery. Whether in folklore, literature, or daily conversation, riddles engage the mind and encourage critical thinking. They can range from playful and lighthearted to complex and thought-provoking, but they always hold the promise of an intellectual challenge, making the solution that much sweeter when it’s finally revealed.
