creative problem solving riddles

74 Brain-Teasing Workplace Riddles to Challenge Your Team

And don't worry, these aren’t your average playground riddles. We’re talking about workplace riddles for adults—the kind that strike the right balance between brain-tickling and ice-breaking.

These riddles for workplaces are challenging enough to spark creativity while also adding laughter to your workday. Whether you’re looking for funny riddles for the workplace or hilarious riddles for adults, they’re sure to boost energy and fun.

Oh, and don’t worry—we’ve categorized these team-building riddles so that only creativity is creeping in, not the Dad-jokes! Ready to get your team’s brains buzzing with some fun workplace riddles?

Let's get right in!

1. Classic Office Riddles for Adults

These workplace riddles for adults are great for starting a conversation or getting teams to think critically in a fun way.

What has cities, but no houses; forests, but no trees; and rivers, but no water?

Answer: A map.

What gets wetter the more it dries?

Answer: A towel.

I speak without a mouth and hear without ears. I have no body, but I come alive with the wind. What am I?

Answer: An echo.

What comes once in a minute, twice in a moment, but never in a thousand years?

Answer: The letter "M."

I have keys but no locks. I have space but no room. You can enter, but you can’t go outside. What am I?

Answer: A keyboard.

I have branches, but no fruit, trunk, or leaves. What am I?

Answer: A bank.

The more of this there is, the less you see. What is it?

Answer: Darkness.

What is full of holes but still holds water?

Answer: A sponge.

What has many keys but can't open a single lock?

Answer: A piano.

2. Math and Logic Riddles for Workplaces

These riddles provide a challenge and are great for problem-solving sessions with analytical teams.

I am an odd number. Take away one letter, and I become even. What number am I?

Answer: Seven (remove the "S").

A grandfather, two fathers, and two sons went fishing. They were only three people. How is this possible?

Answer: There are three generations: grandfather, father, and grandson.

You have 8 balls. One is slightly heavier than the others. How do you find the heavier one using a balance scale in just two weighings?

Answer: Divide into groups of three, then weigh two groups. If they balance, the heavier ball is in the last group of two, and one more weighing finds it.

What number comes next in this sequence: 2, 3, 5, 9, 17, …?

Answer: 33 (each number is the sum of the previous number plus the next prime number).

I add five to nine, and get two. The correct answer is not fourteen. How is this possible?

Answer: When it's 9 o'clock, adding five hours makes it 2 o'clock.

What is the next number in the sequence: 1, 11, 21, 1211, 111221, …?

Answer: 312211 (each number describes the digits of the previous one).

What three positive numbers give the same result when multiplied and added together?

Answer: 1, 2, and 3 (1+2+3=6 and 1×2×3=6).

I have two coins that total 30 cents. One of them isn’t a nickel. What are they?

Answer: A quarter and a nickel. (The “one” coin that isn't a nickel is the quarter.)

3. Tricky Riddles for Office Workers

These riddles add a twist, encouraging employees to think outside the box.

A woman shoots her husband, then holds him underwater for five minutes. Next, she hangs him. Right after, they enjoy a lovely dinner. How is this possible?

Answer: She took a photo of him. ("Shooting" refers to photography, and "hanging" refers to developing photos.)

What can run but never walks, has a mouth but never talks, has a head but never weeps, and a bed but never sleeps?

Answer: A river.

What has a neck but no head, and wears a cap but has no face?

Answer: A bottle.

Forward I am heavy, but backward I am not. What am I?

Answer: The word "ton."

I can be cracked, made, told, and played. What am I?

Answer: A joke.

What has hands but can’t clap?

Answer: A clock.

A man looks at a painting in a museum and says, "Brothers and sisters I have none, but that man’s father is my father’s son." Who is in the painting?

Answer: The man’s son.

What can travel around the world while staying in one corner?

Answer: A stamp.

What has four fingers and a thumb but isn’t alive?

Answer: A glove.

4. Workplace Riddles for Collaboration

These riddles are perfect for team problem-solving and encouraging group discussions.

A man is pushing his car when he comes to a hotel and shouts, "I’m bankrupt!" Why?

Answer: He’s playing Monopoly.

What has keys but can’t open locks?
A farmer needs to get a wolf, a goat, and a cabbage across a river. His boat can only carry him and one other item at a time. How does he do it?

Answer: First, he takes the goat across. Then, he brings the cabbage but takes the goat back. Next, he brings the wolf and leaves it with the cabbage. Finally, he returns to get the goat.

5. Challenging Problem-Solving Riddles

You are in a pitch-black room with a candle, a wood stove, and a gas lamp. You only have one match. Which do you light first?

Answer: The match.

You have two hourglasses, a 4-minute and a 7-minute timer. How do you measure exactly 9 minutes?

Answer: Start both hourglasses. When the 4-minute runs out, flip it. When the 7-minute runs out, flip it. When the 4-minute runs out again, 9 minutes have passed.

You’re in a house with no electricity, running water, or other amenities. You have a candle, but no matches or lighter. How do you light the candle?

Answer: You can’t light the candle without a way to start the fire.

A rich man dies, leaving a large fortune. His will states that his money should go to the person who can predict his exact time of death. Two family members claim to know, but only one can inherit the fortune. How do you determine who gets the money?

Answer: The person who is the doctor or witness to the death would inherit, as they can certify the time of death.

A man was born in 1962 and died in 1985 at the age of 70. How is that possible?

Answer: He was born in room 1962 of a hospital and died in room 1985.

You have a large, empty barrel. If you put something in it, it becomes lighter. What did you put in the barrel?

Answer: A hole.

A man stands on one side of a river, his dog on the other. The man calls his dog, who crosses the river without getting wet and without using a bridge or boat. How?

Answer: The river is frozen.

You are walking across a bridge, and you have a wolf, a goat, and a cabbage. You can only take one across at a time. How do you do it?

Answer: Take the goat first, return, take the cabbage, bring the goat back, take the wolf, and finally return for the goat.

There are three boxes, one containing apples, one containing oranges, and one containing both. All are incorrectly labeled. You can only open one box to see what’s inside. How do you correctly label all the boxes?

Answer: Open the box labeled "both." Whatever is inside will tell you the correct label. Swap the others accordingly.

You have 9 identical-looking coins, but one is heavier. How do you find the heavier one using a balance scale in two weighings?

Answer: Divide into three groups, weigh two. If they balance, the heavier coin is in the third group, and one more weighing will find it.

6. Creative Thinking Riddles

There are 8 identical balls, one of which is slightly heavier. Using a balance scale, how can you determine which is the heavier one in just two weighings?

Answer: Weigh three balls against three balls. If they balance, the heavier ball is among the two left. If not, it’s in the heavier group.

A man builds a house with all four sides facing south. A bear walks by the house. What color is the bear?

Answer: White, because the house is at the North Pole.

I am taken from a mine and shut up in a wooden case, from which I am never released, and yet I am used by almost every person. What am I?

Answer: Pencil lead.

The person who makes it sells it. The person who buys it never uses it. The person who uses it never knows they’re using it. What is it?

Answer: A coffin.

I have keys that open no locks, I have space but no room, and you can enter but can’t go outside. What am I?
A woman has seven children, half of them are boys. How is this possible?

Answer: All the children are boys, so half of them are boys.

I have legs, but I never walk; I have a back, but I never lie down; I have a seat, but I’m never sat on. What am I?

Answer: A chair.

A man wants to enter an exclusive club, but he doesn’t know the password. He listens to members being asked a question before entering. The guard says "six" and the member says "three." The guard says "twelve" and the member says "six." What should the man say when the guard says "ten"?

Answer: Five. The password is half the number given.

What has one eye but cannot see?

Answer: A needle.

7. Lateral Thinking Riddles

A rooster lays an egg on top of a barn roof. Which way does it roll?

Answer: Roosters don’t lay eggs.

A man shaves several times a day, yet he still has a beard. How is this possible?

Answer: He’s a barber.

The more you take, the more you leave behind. What am I?

Answer: Footsteps.

Two mothers and two daughters went to a restaurant and ordered one meal each. Only three meals were served. How is this possible?

Answer: There are three people: a grandmother, her daughter, and her granddaughter.

You see a boat filled with people. It hasn’t sunk, but when you look again you don’t see a single person on the boat. Why?

Answer: All the people were married.

What has a head, a tail, is brown, and has no legs?

Answer: A penny.

You walk into a room that contains a match, a kerosene lamp, a candle, and a fireplace. What do you light first?
A man walks into a bar and asks for a glass of water. The bartender pulls out a gun and points it at him. The man says "thank you" and leaves. Why?

Answer: He had hiccups, and the bartender scared them away.

What is black when it’s clean and white when it’s dirty?

Answer: A chalkboard.

8. More Math Riddles

How can you add eight 8’s to get the number 1,000?

Answer: 888 + 88 + 8 + 8 + 8 = 1,000.

If two’s company and three’s a crowd, what are four and five?

Answer: Nine (because 4 + 5 = 9).

How many times can you subtract 10 from 100?

Answer: Once. After that, you’re subtracting from 90.

A bat and a ball cost $1.10 in total. The bat costs $1.00 more than the ball. How much does the ball cost?

Answer: 5 cents.

A man is twice as old as his sister. He was 24 when she was 10. How old are they now?

Answer: The man is 34, and the sister is 20.

What number comes next in the sequence: 2, 3, 5, 9, 17, …?

Answer: 33 (each number is the previous number plus the next prime number).

If it takes 5 machines 5 minutes to make 5 widgets, how long would it take 100 machines to make 100 widgets?

Answer: 5 minutes.

How can you divide a circle into 8 equal parts using only three cuts?

Answer: Cut the circle in half, then into quarters, and then stack and cut.

A man gave one-sixth of his life to childhood, one-twelfth to adolescence, and one-seventh of the remainder to work. He retired at 60. How old is he?

Answer: 72 years old.

9. Short Story Riddles

Short story riddles are a delightful mix of storytelling and brain teasers. Each riddle pulls you into a narrative, only to surprise you with a twist at the end, challenging your wits. They're perfect for anyone who enjoys a good story along with a mental puzzle!

The Secret Password

A person approaches a secret club and hears a voice say "twelve." They respond with "six" and are let in. Another person arrives, hears "six," replies with "three," and also gains entry. The third person hears "ten," says "five," but is denied. What should they have said to get in?

Solution: The answer is "three." The trick is counting the letters in the number. "Ten" has three letters.

The Bridge Crossing

Four campers need to cross a fragile bridge at night with only one flashlight. No more than two people can cross at once, and they must travel at the slower person’s pace. The four campers take 1, 2, 5, and 10 minutes to cross, respectively. How quickly can they all cross?

Solution: They can all cross in 17 minutes by pairing the fastest campers together and sending the flashlight back with the quickest person each time.

The Locked Book

A book is secured by a combination lock with three digits. The clue to open it says: "The first digit is four times the second. The third digit is three less than the first. Together, the digits sum to 12." What’s the combination?

Solution: The combination is 624. The first digit is four times the second (6), and the third digit is three less than the first (4). Adding them gives a total of 12.

The Three Doors

You’re trapped in a room with three doors. The first leads to a room on fire, the second to an assassin waiting to kill you, and the third to a lion that hasn’t eaten in three years. Which door is safest?

Solution: The third door. A lion that hasn’t eaten in three years would be dead.

There you have it! These office riddles for adults are more than just a simple list; they're a gateway to creating a more engaging, lively, and brain-stimulating work environment. Riddles for workplaces are a powerful tool to infuse joy and creativity into the daily routine.

Whether you use funny riddles for the workplace or mix in some hilarious riddles for adults, they’re perfect for adding energy and fun to your team's day. Remember, it's not just about the riddles themselves, but how you incorporate these workplace riddles for adults into your workflow.

So go ahead, try out these team-building riddles, and watch the magic unfold as your team enjoys these fun workplace riddles!

1. How can workplace riddles improve team building?

Team-building riddles are a great way to promote collaboration and camaraderie among employees. By encouraging creative thinking and problem-solving , these workplace riddles for adults can help teams build trust and improve their communication. Riddles prompt team members to think outside the box and work together to find solutions, fostering a sense of accomplishment when they solve the puzzles as a group.

2. How can office riddles benefit team building?

Office riddles for adults engage employees in a fun and challenging way. These team-building riddles serve as icebreakers , making it easier for team members to bond, especially in diverse or cross-functional teams. Solving riddles together can enhance team collaboration , develop critical thinking skill s, and encourage open communication—all of which contribute to more effective teamwork and stronger interpersonal relationships.

3. Can office riddles be used in virtual team meetings?

Yes, office riddles are perfect for virtual zoom team meetings . They break the monotony of online meetings and engage remote team members. Incorporating fun workplace riddles or hilarious riddles for adults in a virtual setting can help energize the team, spark discussions, and create a more interactive and enjoyable atmosphere, which is especially important in remote or hybrid work environments.

4. What are the funniest work-related riddles?

Some of the funniest work-related riddles include clever wordplay and office humor. For instance:

“What has keys but can’t open locks?”

This type of funny riddle for workplaces adds humor while keeping the challenge, making them ideal for lightening the mood during a stressful workday.

5. Can workplace riddles improve communication at work?

Absolutely! Workplace riddles for adults encourage team members to listen carefully and share ideas openly to solve the puzzles. This collaborative approach improves communication by promoting active listening, clearer articulation of thoughts, and mutual respect. Team-building riddles are a great way to break down communication barriers in a fun, low-pressure environment.

6. Can riddles enhance problem-solving at work?

Yes, riddles for workplaces significantly enhance problem-solving abilities. These riddles require employees to analyze problems from different angles, encouraging critical thinking and logical reasoning. Regular exposure to workplace riddles for adults can sharpen an individual's ability to tackle real-world work challenges with more creative and effective solutions.

Author Details

What you should do now, more articles.

11 Halloween Team Building Ideas to Boost Team Collaboration

2024 Administrative Professionals Day Ideas

Benefits of Corporate Social Responsibility for Businesses

Interactive Presentation

45 Lateral Thinking Puzzles That Reward Those Who Think Beyond the Obvious

Leah Nguyen • 14 November, 2023 • 10 min read

Are you into solving mysterious puzzles?

Want to flex your creative muscles and harness out-of-the-box ideas?

If so, solving these 45 lateral thinking puzzles can be your new hobby to kill time.

Dive in to see the best puzzles plus answers👇

Lateral thinking meaning, lateral thinking puzzles for adults, lateral thinking puzzles for kids, visual lateral thinking puzzles.

Key Takeaways

Frequently Asked Questions

Tips for better engagement.

Creative Thinking Skills
What is Divergent Thinking?

Looking for More Fun During Gatherings?

Gather your team members by a fun quiz on AhaSlides. Sign up to take free quiz from AhaSlides template library!

Lateral thinking means solving problems or coming up with ideas in a creative, non-linear way instead of logically step-by-step. It's a term coined by the Maltese physician Edward de Bono.

Rather than just thinking from A to B to C, it involves looking at things from different angles. When your usual way of thinking isn't working, lateral thinking can help you think outside the box!

Some lateral thinking examples:

If you're stuck on a math problem, you draw pictures or act it out instead of just doing calculations. This helps you look at it in a new way.
Instead of going on the designated road in the video game you're playing, you choose another way to the destination such as flying.
If arguing doesn't work, you look for what you agree on instead of just pointing out the differences.

Lateral Thinking Puzzles with Answers

#1 - A man walks into a restaurant and orders food. When the food arrives, he starts eating. How can this be without paying?

Answer: He is part of the restaurant's staff and gets a free meal as a work benefit.

#2 - In a running race, if you overtake the second person, what place would you be?

Answer: The second.

#3 - John's father has five sons: North, South, East, and West. What is the fifth son's name?

Answer: John is the fifth son.

#4 - A man is sentenced to death. He has to choose between three rooms. The first is full of burning fires, the second is full of assassins with guns, and the third is full of lions that haven't eaten in 3 years. Which room is safest for him?

Answer: The third room is the safest because the lions have starved for so long they've surely died.

#5 - How did Dan manage to make a tennis ball he threw travel a short distance, come to a stop, reverse its direction, and return to his hand without bouncing it off any object or using any strings or attachments?

#6 - Despite being short of money and asking his dad for a small fund, the boy at boarding school received a letter from his dad instead. The letter did not contain any money but rather a lecture on the perils of extravagance. Strangely, the boy was still content with the response. What could be the reason behind his satisfaction?

Answer: The boy's dad is a famous person so he was able to sell the dad's letter and gain extra money.

#7 - In a moment of imminent danger, a man found himself walking along a railway track with a fast-approaching train headed in his direction. In a bid to evade the oncoming train, he made a swift decision to leap off the track. Surprisingly, before executing the jump, he ran ten feet towards the train. What could be the reason behind this ?

Answer: As the man traversed a railway bridge, he ran ten feet ahead to complete his crossing, then leapt off.

#8 - Three days in a row without the name Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday?

Answer: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow.

#9 - Why are $5 coins in 2022 worth more than $5 coins in 2000?

Answer: Because there are more coins in 2022.

#10 - If it takes 2 men 2 days to dig 2 holes, how long will it take 4 men to dig ½ of a hole?

Answer: You can't dig half a hole.

#11 - Within a basement, three switches reside, all currently in the off position. Each switch corresponds to a light bulb situated on the main floor of the house. You can manipulate the switches, turning them on or off as you please. However, you are limited to a single trip upstairs to observe the outcome of your actions on the lights. How can you effectively ascertain which switch controls each specific light bulb?

Answer: Turn on the two switches and leave them on for a few minutes. After a few minutes, turn off the first switch then go upstairs and feel the warmth of the light bulbs. The warm one is the one you've recently turned off.

#12 - If you see a bird perched on a tree branch, how do you remove the branch without disturbing the bird?

Answer: Wait for the bird to go.

#13 - A man is walking in the rain with nothing to protect him from getting wet. Yet, not a single hair on his head gets wet. How is this possible?

Answer: He is bald.

#14 - A man is lying dead in a field. There is an unopened package attached to him. How did he die?

Answer: He jumped from a plane but couldn't open the parachute in time.

#15 - A man is trapped in a room with only two doors. One door leads to certain death, and the other door leads to freedom . There are two guards, one in front of each door. One guard always tells the truth, and the other always lies. The man doesn't know which guard is which or which door leads to freedom. What question can he ask to guarantee his escape?

Answer: The man should ask either guard, "If I were to ask the other guard which door leads to freedom, what would he say?" The honest guard would point to the door of certain death, while the lying guard would also point to the door of certain death. Therefore, the man should choose the opposite door.

#16 - There's a glass full of water, how to get water from the bottom of the glass without pouring water out?

Answer: Use a straw.

#17 - On the left side of the road there is a Green House, on the right side of the road there is a Red House. So, where is the White House?

Answer: The United States.

#18 - A man is wearing a black suit, black shoes, and black gloves. He is walking down a street lined with streetlights that are all turned off. A black car with no headlights comes speeding down the road and manages to avoid hitting the man. How is this possible?

Answer: It is daylight, so the car can avoid the man easily.

#19 - A woman has five children. Half of them are girls. How is this possible?

Answer: The children are all girls so half of the girls are still girls.

#20 - When will 5 plus 2 equals 1?

Answer: When 5 days plus 2 days is 7 days, which equals 1 week.

#1 - What has legs but can't walk?

Answer: An infant.

#2 - What doesn't have legs but can walk?

Answer: A snake.

#3 - Which sea doesn't have waves?

Answer: Season.

#4 - You move backwards to win and lose if you move forward. What's this sport?

Answer: Tug-of-war.

#5 - A word that usually contains one letter, starts with E and ends with E.

Answer: Envelope.

#6 - There are 2 people: 1 adult and 1 baby go to the top of a mountain. The little one is the child of the adult, but the adult is not the father of the child, who is the adult?

Answer: The mom.

#7 - What word if saying wrong is right and saying right is wrong?

Answer: Wrong.

#8 - 2 ducks go in front of 2 ducks, 2 ducks go behind 2 ducks, 2 ducks go between 2 ducks. How many ducks are there?

Answer: 4 ducks.

#9 - What can't be cut, dried, broken and burned?

Answer: Water.

#10 - What do you possess but other people use it more than you?

Answer: Your name.

#11 - What's black when you buy it, red when you use it, and grey when you throw it away?

Answer: Coal.

#12 - What is deep without anyone digging it?

Answer: The sea.

#13 - What do you have when you share with a person, but when you share you won't have it?

Answer: Secrets.

#14 - What can the left hand hold but the right hand can't even if it wants?

Answer: Right elbow.

#15 - The 10 cm red crab races against the 15 cm blue crab. Which one runs to the finish line first?

Answer: The blue crab because the red crab has been boiled.

#16 - A snail must climb to the top of a 10m high pole. Every day it climbs 4m and every night it falls down 3m. So when will the other snail climb to the top if it starts on Monday morning?

Answer: In the first 6 days, the snail will climb 6m so on Sunday afternoon the snail will climb to the top.

#17 - What is the size of an elephant but weighs no grams?

Answer: The shadow.

#18 - There is a tiger tied to a tree. In front of the tiger, there is a meadow. The distance from the tree to the meadow is 15m and the tiger is very hungry. How can he get to the meadow to eat?

Answer: The tiger doesn't eat grass so there's no point going to the meadow.

#19 - There are 2 Yellow cats and Black cats, the Yellow cat left the Black cat with the Brown cat. 10 years later the Yellow cat returned to the Black cat. Guess what she said first?

Answer: Meow.

#20 - There is an electric train going south. Which direction will the smoke from the train go?

Answer: Electric trains don't have smoke.

#1 - Find the illogical points in this picture:

#2 - Who's the guy's bride?

Answer: B. The woman's wearing an engagement ring.

#3 - Change the positions of the three matches to get two squares ,

#4 - Find the illogical points in this picture:

#5 - Can you guess the car's parking lot number?

Answer: 87. Turn the picture upside down to see the actual sequence.

Organise fun brain teasers and puzzle nights with our quizzes🎉

Key Takeaways

We hope these 45 lateral thinking puzzles will put you in a challenging but fun time. And remember - with lateral puzzles, the simplest answer may be the one overlooked, so don't overcomplicate possible explanations.

The answers provided here are just our suggestions and coming up with more creative solutions is always welcomed. Please tell us what other solutions you can think of for these riddles.

Free Quiz Templates!

Make memories with fun and light quizzes for any occasion. Improve learning and engagement with a live quiz. Register for Free!

General Knowledge

Name that Song

English Quiz

What are the activities for lateral thinking.

Developing lateral thinking skills involves engaging in activities that encourage flexible, non-linear patterns of reasoning. Puzzle-solving, riddles and brain teasers provide mental challenges that must be approached creatively to find solutions beyond straightforward logic. Visualisation, improvisation games, and imagined scenarios prompt imagination-based thinking outside of routine boundaries. Provocation exercises, freewriting, and mind mapping foster making unexpected connections and examining topics from novel angles.

What type of thinker is good at puzzles?

People adept at thinking laterally, making connections across mental modes, and who enjoy puzzling through problems tend to do well resolving lateral thinking puzzles.

Leah Nguyen

Words that convert, stories that stick. I turn complex ideas into engaging narratives - helping audiences learn, remember, and take action.

Tips to Engage with Polls & Trivia

More from AhaSlides

What is Critical Thinking | +11 Valuable Tips to Think Critically

Home » Riddles » 31 Tricky Lateral Thinking Puzzles (with Answers)

31 Tricky Lateral Thinking Puzzles (with Answers)

Lateral thinking is defined as the solving of problems by an indirect and creative approach, typically through viewing the problem in a new and unusual light. Lateral thinking is used to move from a known idea to create new ideas. The skill of thinking laterally can be acquired through practice and use. Doing so provides the key to innovative thinking and creativity.

Table of Contents

In this article, we provide some lateral thinking puzzles to help you begin to think laterally. First we will challenge you with some lateral thinking questions. Next, we will provide some lateral thinking questions and answers to give you a foundation for your own lateral thinking. Finally, we will enjoy some fun lateral thinking riddles to tickle your mind and get you to think outside the box.

Lateral Thinking Questions

Lateral thinking questions create a scenario that, at first reading, seems either confusing or impossible. They may also have multiple solutions, although there is one that is usually considered “the best.” We have chosen some rather well-known lateral thinking questions to get you started. We have listed the questions first, followed by a list of answers. Many times you will think, “Oh, that was obvious.” when presented with the answer. We have also started with those we believe to be the easiest and worked our way to the most challenging. Enjoy!

The Carrot, the Scarf, and Pieces of Coal

A carrot, a scarf, and five pieces of coal are found lying on the lawn. Nobody put them on the lawn, but there is a simple, logical reason why they are there. What is it?

Adam and Eve in Heaven

A man died and went to heaven where there were millions of other people. Everyone was naked and looked as they did at the age of 21. He looked around to see if he recognized anyone. He saw a couple and he knew immediately they were Adam and Eve. How did he recognize them?

Double Sons

A woman had two sons. They were born at the same hour on the same day of the same month in the same year. However, they were not twins. How could this be?

The Man and the Elevator

A man lived on the tenth floor of a building. Every day he took the elevator down to the ground floor to go to work or to go shopping. When he returned, he took the elevator to the seventh floor and then walked up the stairs to reach his apartment on the tenth floor. On a rainy day, he took the elevator all the way to the tenth floor. He hated walking, so why does he do so?

The Man Who Hung Himself

In a large, completely empty, wooden barn is a dead man hanging from the middle of the central rafter. He is hanging three feet off the ground by a rope ten feet long. The closest wall is 20 feet away from the hanging man. It would not be possible to climb up the walls or along the rafters. Below him is a puddle of water. How did the man hang himself?

A Deadly Dish

Two men ordered dinner in a restaurant. They both ordered the same items from the menu. After they both tasted it, one of the men went outside the restaurant and shot himself. Why did he do so?

The Arm in the Parcel

One day a man received a parcel in the mail. He found a carefully packed human arm inside. He examined it, repacked it, and sent it on to another man. The second man also carefully examined the arm and then took it to the woods and buried it. Why did they both do these things?

Lateral Thinking Questions Answered

The items were used by children to build a snowman that has now melted.

Adam and Eve were the only people without navels. They were not born of women, so they had never had umbilical cords and, therefore, they never had navels.

Her two sons were part of a set of triplets (or quadruplets, etc.).

The man is extremely short. He can only reach the button for the seventh floor. However, on rainy days, he uses his umbrella to push the tenth floor button.

The man stood on a block of ice and hung when it melted.

The food the two men ordered was swordfish. Many years earlier they had both been stranded on a desert island. When one of the men tasted the swordfish, he realized he had never tasted it before. This meant that the meat he had been given on the island was not swordfish as he had been told. He realized that he had eaten the flesh of his son who died when they first reached the island. The thought drove him to the brink and he killed himself.

Years earlier, three men had been stranded on a desert island. When they became desperate for food, they agreed to amputate their left arms in order to eat them. One of them, a doctor, cut off the arms of the other two men. Because they swore an oath to all have their left arm cut off, after they were rescued, the doctor had his arm amputated and sent to the other two men.

Lateral Thinking Questions and Answers

In this next section, we have listed lateral thinking questions and answers without separating the questions from the answer. You may find these considerably easier than those in the previous section. Again, we have started with those we believe to be easier and worked to those more challenging. You may find having the questions and answers together helps you to recall those listed quickly and easily so that you can share them with friends, family, and colleagues.

The Bus Driver

You are driving a bus. The bus is empty when you begin your route. At the first stop, four people get on. At the second stop, eight people get on and 2 get off. At the third stop, 3 people get off and 4 get on. What colour are the bus driver’s eyes?

You are driving the bus, so what colour are your eyes?

Harried Hens

A family had a chicken coop for their one dozen, egg producing hens. Late one night, a terrible storm came through their area and killed all but eight chickens. How many chickens did the family have in the next morning? The family still had twelve chickens, four dead and eight alive.

Stolen Goods

A woman who is in a department store fills her shopping cart to the top and leaves the store without paying. Although she is seen, no one calls the police or attempts to stop her. Why? The woman is an employee of the department store. She is filling the shopping cart with trash and taking it out to the dumpster.

Terrifying Tiger

On a hot Saturday afternoon, a woman was walking slowly through the savannah when she spotted a tiger in the distance. Instead of turning around, hiding, or seeking help, the woman began to run towards where the tiger was. Why wasn’t she afraid and run away?

The woman was visiting a zoo.

The Stranger in the Car

A man raced his car through the streets with his wife as his only passenger. When they stopped, the husband got out of the car. When he returned, his found his wife dead and a stranger in the car. What had happened? The wife was pregnant and they were racing to the hospital for the birth of the baby. The husband jumped out of the car to get help and a wheelchair. When he returned, his wife had given birth to the baby, but died in childbirth.

Tube Torment

A woman enters a large metal tube. She is overcome with fear and clenches her husband’s hand tightly. She is visibly shaken. Her husband gently rubs her arms and speaks softly to her, but is unaffected himself. A few hours later, the woman’s husband tells her that it’s time to go and her torment ends. What was happening to the woman?

The woman is terrified of flying, but must travel to see a dying relative; this adds to her emotional turmoil. Her husband does his best to comfort her during the few hours of the flight.

Jacob’s dad could not stop his son from playing video games. As soon as he wasn’t watching Jacob, he would be back on playing away. Jacob’s dad decided to fix the problem permanently. He grabbed his hammer and solved the problem. Jacob could not play anymore, however, Jacob’s dad could do so. What did Jacob’s dad do? Jacob’s dad used the hammer to install a shelf high up on the wall. He placed the video game console and the controllers up on the shelf out of Jacob’s reach; however, Jacob’s dad could still reach them.

A Jump Survived

A man who lives in a fifty-story building decides to jump out of his window. He survives his fall with no injuries. How did he do this?

The man jumped out of his first-floor window, which was only a few feet from the ground.

After a long night of partying with her friends, a woman arrives home and finds that she cannot enter the house. She’s certain that she’s at the right home, but she cannot get inside. What happened that makes entering her home impossible?

The woman’s keys were taken away from her by a concerned friend when she began to be inebriated earlier that night. The woman called and hired a driver to take her home, but did not have her keys to unlock the doors.

At the bottom of a large hill, more than 40 cars are involved in an accident. Some of the cars are overturned and others are resting on top of other cars. The pile-up is so large that a few military vehicles and a fire truck are also involved in the crash. What happened to cause this big wreck?

The cars, trucks, and other vehicles are toys being played with by a small child.

Sunny Day Weather?

A man is driving on a sunny day. He makes a turn and water suddenly starts to pelt his car very hard for about five minutes. Then the car is buffeted by extremely hard blowing. The car even begins to shake. The blowing stops, and the man makes another turn onto the main road and heads home safely. What is happening?

The man drove his car into a drive-through car wash. After about 10 minutes, he leaves and drives his clean car home.

Lateral Thinking Riddles

Lateral thinking riddles are similar to lateral thinking questions. However, the phrasing is a bit different, more like a riddle. We have chosen some lateral thinking riddles that may stump even the cleverest thinker.

A murderer is condemned to death. He must choose between three rooms after his sentence is passed. The first is full of raging fire. The second is full of assassins with their guns loaded. The third is full of lions that haven’t eaten in six months. Which room should he choose?

The third room, because lions who have not eaten in six months are dead.

A Deadly Decision

A man decided to open a door. He screamed and was found dead a few minutes later. No gunshots were heard in the area and no weapons were found. What happened?

The man was on an airplane. He opened the hatch and fell to his death.

A Missing Man

Three men enter a room, but only two walk out. The room is empty. Where is the third man?

The third man uses a wheelchair, so he rolls out of the room instead of walking out.

Push the Car

A man pushed his car. When he reached a hotel, he knew he was bankrupt. How did he know this and why was he bankrupt?

The man was playing Monopoly.

The Clever Barman

A man walked into a bar and asked the bartender for a glass of water. The bartender pulls out a gun and points it at the man. The man says, “Thank you,” and leaves. What really happened?

The man had hiccups. When the bartender recognized this, he drew the gun in order to give the man a shock. It worked and the man’s hiccups were cured. Then the man no longer needed water.

Death and the Unopened Package

A man is found lying dead in a field. Next to him is an unopened package. No other person or living thing is in the field with him. How did he die?

The man jumped from a plane with a parachute that failed to open. The parachute is the unopened package.

The classic method for problem solving is logical or vertical thinking – coming to a conclusion by working through a step-by-step process using given information. Lateral or horizontal thinking involves having many ideas and looking at alternative ways of solving a problem by viewing the information in a broader sense. Using lateral thinking puzzles can help you unlock your ability to approach many of life’s problems and challenges in new and exciting ways. It is our hope this article begins you on a path to productive lateral thinking. Puzzle on!

Susan majored in English with a double minor in Humanities and Business at Arizona State University and earned a Master’s degree in Educational Administration from Liberty University. She taught grades four through twelve in both public and private schools. Subjects included English, U.S. and world history and geography, math, earth and physical science, Bible, information technologies, and creative writing.

Susan has been freelance writing for over ten years, during which time she has written and edited books, newspaper articles, biographies, book reviews, guidelines, neighborhood descriptions for realtors, Power Point presentations, resumes, and numerous other projects.

Read full bio

I really enjoyed these. Lateral thinking and puzzles that require thinking are not only fun but also helpful for approaching real life situations and jobs that seem almost impossible without a bit of thought. Thank you so much for this brain teaser

These puzzles are extremely suitable for a group people who are trying to brainstorm and have some fun. Thank you!

5-Minute Team Building Activities (21 Fun Examples)

October 1st, 2024

82 Hockey Trivia Questions and Answers (NHL Quiz)

September 15th, 2024

118 Halloween Trivia Questions & Answers + FUN Facts (2024)

September 14th, 2024

88 Scary Halloween Riddles (Creepy, Spooky & Ghostly)

19 funny halloween games for kids (play indoor or outside), 64 best halloween writing prompts (& story ideas).

September 13th, 2024

Challenge Your Intellect: 33 Long Riddles for Adults

Edward nygma.

Greetings, puzzle enthusiasts and lovers of a good mental challenge!

Prepare to embark on a journey of wit and intrigue with these long riddles designed to test your logic, knowledge, and creative thinking.

Ahead, you'll encounter 33 riddles divided into three stimulating categories: History's Enigmas, Logic Puzzles & Lateral Thinking, and Philosophical Ponderings.

Each riddle is crafted to make you pause, ponder, and perhaps even learn something new along the way.

Think you have what it takes to unravel these intricate puzzles?

There's only one way to find out! Let's begin our mental marathon with History's Enigmas!

History's Enigmas

Fasten your seatbelts, history buffs and riddle aficionados! In this section, we'll delve into the annals of the past, encountering empires lost and found, inventions that changed the world, and figures shrouded in mystery.

Are you ready to decode the answers? Let's get started!

Q1: I am a city of contradictions, once a beacon of knowledge, later consumed by flames. My library held the wisdom of the ancient world, yet my own fate remains a mystery. Scholars debate the reason for my demise, pointing to conquest, negligence, or even the wrath of the gods. What am I?

Q2: I am a date etched in infamy, a day that forever changed the course of human history. A technological marvel unleashed its fury, forever scarring the hearts and minds of two cities. Even today, my legacy serves as a stark reminder of both human ingenuity and destructive capacity. What am I?

Q3: I am a tomb, a testament to love and loss, my construction a marvel of engineering and artistry. For centuries, I stood guard over a king's broken heart, a silent sentinel in a shifting desert. Though robbers plundered my treasures, my grandeur remains undiminished, a testament to the enduring power of human emotion. What am I?

Q4: I am a wall, a divider of ideologies and nations. For decades, I stood as a symbol of oppression and division, a concrete manifestation of fear and mistrust. My fall marked a pivotal moment in history, a victory for freedom and unity. What am I?

Q5: I am a code, a secret language that confounded the world's greatest minds for centuries. Hieroglyphs adorned my surface, holding the key to unlocking a lost civilization's secrets. It was a scholar's tenacity that finally broke my silence, revealing the stories etched in stone. What am I?

Q6: I am a ship, a legend whispered on the seven seas. My maiden voyage was a tragic tale of hubris and disaster. I lie at rest beneath the waves, a testament to the unforgiving nature of the deep and the enduring allure of the unknown. What am I?

Q7: I am a document, a beacon of hope and a testament to human rights. Forged in the fires of revolution, I declared the inherent equality of all, igniting a movement that continues to shape nations and inspire generations. What am I?

Q8: I am a city carved in stone, a lost civilization swallowed by the jungle. Rediscovered by chance, my ruins whisper of a forgotten empire, its rituals, beliefs, and achievements shrouded in mystery. What am I?

Q9: I am a battle, a clash of civilizations that shaped the destiny of Europe. Though vastly outnumbered, my forces held strong, repelling an empire at the gates. My victory secured the survival of a culture and its legacy. What am I?

Q10: I am a pandemic, a silent killer that swept across continents, leaving devastation in its wake. My touch brought fear and despair, decimating populations and altering the course of history. Even today, my name evokes a chill, a reminder of nature's power and the fragility of human life. What am I?

Q11: I am a leader, a conqueror feared and revered throughout the ancient world. My empire spanned continents, my armies unmatched in might. Though time has eroded my kingdom to dust, my name still echoes through history, synonymous with ambition, ruthlessness, and military genius. What am I?

Logic Puzzles & Lateral Thinking

Prepare to engage your logical reasoning and lateral thinking skills! This section features mind-bending puzzles and scenarios that will require sharp deduction and a knack for creative problem-solving.

Ready to put your mental agility to the test? Let's start!

Q1: You find yourself trapped in a room with two doors and two guards. One door leads to freedom, and the other leads to a fearsome lion that hasn't eaten in days. You are allowed to ask one guard one question, but there's a catch – one guard always lies, and the other always tells the truth. What question can you ask to guarantee your escape?

Q2: A king wants to choose his successor using a seemingly simple challenge. He gathers his three wisest advisors and presents them with five hats: three white and two black. He places a hat on each advisor's head, ensuring they cannot see their own but can see the others'. The king declares that the first advisor to correctly deduce the color of their own hat will become his heir. After a moment of silence, one advisor confidently states the color of their hat. How did they know?

Q3: You are a detective investigating a peculiar theft. A wealthy art collector reported a priceless diamond stolen from their vault. There are no signs of forced entry, and the vault's complex security system is untouched. The only clue is a single playing card - the Queen of Hearts - left lying on the floor. Who could have pulled off such a daring heist, and how did they do it?

Q4: Imagine a single-story house where everything is yellow. The walls are yellow, the doors are yellow, the furniture is yellow - even the appliances are yellow. What color are the stairs?

Q5: A prisoner is scheduled to be executed at noon. The executioner tells him, "If you tell me a true statement, you will be hanged. If you tell me a false statement, you will be shot." The prisoner pauses, then utters a single sentence that forces the executioner to set him free. What did the prisoner say?

Q6: Five friends are sharing a pizza. They decide to each take turns cutting a slice, with the person who cuts the pizza also getting to choose who eats the slice. The goal is to eat as much pizza as possible. Assuming they are all perfectly rational and want to maximize their share, how should the first person cut the pizza?

Q7: You are given 12 coins that appear identical. However, one coin is either heavier or lighter than the rest. Using a balance scale and only three weighings, can you identify the odd coin and determine whether it is heavier or lighter?

Q8: A train leaves New York City traveling at 60 miles per hour. Another train leaves Los Angeles at the same time, traveling at 70 miles per hour. If both trains are traveling on the same track, which train will be closer to New York City when they meet?

Q9: A snail is at the bottom of a 30-foot well. Every day, it climbs up 3 feet, but at night, it slides back down 2 feet. How many days will it take the snail to reach the top of the well?

Q10: You are camping and need to build a fire. You have only one match, a newspaper, a candle, and a pile of dry wood. Which one do you light first?

Q11: You have two empty hourglass sand timers - one that measures 7 minutes and one that measures 4 minutes. How can you measure exactly 9 minutes using only these two timers?

Philosophical Ponderings

Prepare to delve into the realm of abstract thought and ethical dilemmas!

This section poses questions about the nature of reality, consciousness, morality, and the human experience.

There are no right or wrong answers here, just opportunities for thoughtful reflection and engaging discussion.

Q1: Imagine a ship that has been perfectly restored plank by plank, using the original materials. As the restoration progresses, old planks are replaced with new ones. Eventually, every single piece of the ship is brand new. Is it still the same ship?

Q2: If you had the power to erase one negative emotion from human experience (e.g., sadness, anger, fear), which would you choose and why? What would be the consequences of its absence, both positive and negative?

Q3: Imagine a world where everyone's dreams were instantly uploaded to a shared virtual reality every night. Would this be a utopia or a dystopia? Consider the social, ethical, and psychological implications.

Q4: Is free will an illusion, or do we genuinely have control over our choices? If our actions are predetermined by factors beyond our control, can we be held responsible for our actions?

Q5: What is the relationship between language and thought? Do we think in words, or do words simply express pre-existing thoughts? How does language shape our perception of the world?

Q6: A famous thought experiment asks you to imagine a trolley careening towards five unsuspecting people. You can pull a lever to divert the trolley onto a different track, but doing so will kill one person standing on that track. Is it morally permissible to sacrifice one life to save five? What if the one person was a loved one?

Q7: If a perfect clone of you was created, with all of your memories and personality traits, would it be you? Would it have the same rights and deserve the same respect as any other human being?

Q8: Imagine a machine that could perfectly simulate any experience, indistinguishable from reality. Would you choose to plug into the machine permanently, experiencing a lifetime of curated pleasures and adventures? Why or why not?

Q9: What is the nature of consciousness, and why are we aware of our own existence? Is consciousness unique to humans, or do other animals, plants, or even inanimate objects possess some form of awareness?

Q10: Is there inherent meaning in life, or do we create our own meaning through our actions and interactions with the world? How does the pursuit of meaning contribute to our overall well-being and sense of purpose?

Q11: If you could know the date of your own death, would you want to know? How might this knowledge impact the way you live your life?

You Did It!!

Congratulations on navigating these riddles of history, logic, and philosophy! We hope you've enjoyed the mental workout and perhaps even discovered a new perspective or two along the way.

If you're feeling up for it, here's a set of Long "What Am I" Riddles!

Remember, the journey of a curious mind never truly ends.

Keep questioning, keep exploring, and keep seeking out those brain-bending puzzles that challenge and inspire you.

What Am I? Long Riddles To Test Your Brain!

Welcome, riddle enthusiasts, to the ultimate test of wit and deduction! Are you ready to solve a series of challenging riddles, each more challenging than the last? Ahead, you'll find 75 "What Am I" long riddles, divided into three brain-tickling categories: 1. Nature's Mysteries

132 Juicy Fruit Riddles to Tickle Your Brain!

Calling all puzzle enthusiasts and fruit fanatics! Are you ready to embark on a juicy adventure where the answers are hidden in plain sight? Our orchard of riddles is bursting with three distinct sections: * Easy Breezy Fruits: Dive in with riddles as sweet and simple as a ripe strawberry. Perfect

75 Juicy Apple Riddles to Crunch On

Dive into a basket full of apple-themed riddles that promise to entertain and challenge your brain. From the crisp and easy to the intriguingly hard, there's a flavor for everyone in this collection. Perfect for family fun, classroom breaks, or a solitary puzzle moment, these riddles are designed

Tasty Teasers: Food Riddles for Kindergarteners

Welcome to our delightful world of food riddles, specially cooked up for our kindergarten chefs! Get ready to embark on a tasty adventure with your little ones. These riddles are not just fun but also a great way to spark an interest in different foods. Perfect for reading aloud and

0, text: error()">

0, text: error(), css: errorCssClass">

Reset your password

Enter your email address or username and we’ll send you a link to reset your password

Check your inbox

An email with a link to reset your password was sent to the email address associated with your account

Provide email

Please enter your email to complete registration

Activate to continue

Your account isn't active yet. We've emailed you an activation link. Please check your inbox and click the link to activate your account

0, text: error" style="display: none;">

0, text: success" style="display: none;">

Relationships

The Bored Panda iOS app is live! Fight boredom with iPhones and iPads here .

Partnership
Success stories
--> -->