Proverbs, riddles, and charms

Answer: Courtship

Example #5: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (By J. K. Rowling)

During his competition in the Tri-Wizard Tournament, Harry had to answer a riddle posed by a Sphinx:
Riddle: “First think of the person who lives in disguise,
Who deals in secrets and tells naught but lies,
Next tell me what’s always the last thing to mend,
The middle of middle and end of the end?…
Which creature would you be unwilling to kiss?”
Answer: A spider.

Function of Riddle

In written literature, riddles deceive the audience with their meanings. As far as a riddle’s purpose is concerned, it explores questions with enough thoroughness to provide readers a clear view of major issues. Riddles can generally be conversation-starters, or brain busters to get readers thinking, while in oral literature, riddles serve as the competition of wits and skills and guessing games.
However, if the audience knows the answers they take pleasure in hearing them repeatedly. Gaming riddles reveal the playful side of language in a manageable form. Besides, it is usually possible to draw appropriate metaphors from good riddles.
A riddle is a statement, question or phrase that has a double meaning. When someone uses a riddle, it can be a thought-provoking challenge to figure it out on your own, or it can be a funny comment that makes you laugh. They require critical thinking — and a sense of humor — to solve correctly. Keep reading for examples of riddles for kids, adults and anyone who loves solving puzzles!
Simple Riddles for Kids
Riddles for kids are a great way to practice communication skills. They are a bit more complex than jokes but are less complicated than analogies. Examples of simple riddles for kids (and their solutions) include:

1. 
   Three eyes have I, all in a row; when the red one opens, all freeze like the snow. (Answer: Traffic light)
   
2. 
   What gets wetter and wetter the more it dries? (Answer: A towel)
   
3. 
   If you speak its name, you break it. What is it? (Answer: Silence)
   
4. 
   I have a tail, and I have a head, but I have no body. I am NOT a snake. What am I? (Answer: A coin)
   
5. 
   How many months have 28 days? (Answer: All of them)
   
6. 
   What word becomes shorter when you add letters to it? (Answer: "Short")
   
7. 
   What word begins with a T, ends with a T, and has a T in it? (Answer: A teapot)
   
8. 
   What word begins with an E, ends with an E, but has only one letter? (Answer: An envelope)
   
9. 
   If a rooster sits on a roof facing north, which way will the egg roll? (Answer: Roosters don't lay eggs.)
   
10. 
    A cowboy arrived in town on Friday, stayed one night, then left on Friday. How is this possible? (Answer: The horse's name is Friday)
    
11. 
    I give you two coins worth 15 cents. One of the coins is not a nickel. What coins did I give you? (Answer: A dime and a nickel; one of the coins isn't a nickel, but the other one is)
    
12. 
    The more there is, the less you see. What is it? (Answer: Darkness)
    
13. 
    What belongs to you, but is used by everyone else? (Answer: Your name)
    
14. 
    What building has the most stories in the world? (Answer: The library)
    
15. 
    You see it once in June, three times in September and never in May. What is it? (Answer: The letter E)
    
16. 
    What can fill a room but doesn't take up space? (Answer: Light)
    
17. 
    Where does Thursday come after Friday? (Answer: The dictionary)
    
18. 
    Kira's mother has three children. Their names are Huey, Dewey, and ... ? (Answer: Kira)
    
19. 
    What word is spelled wrong in the dictionary? (Answer: "Wrong")
    
20. 
    What can you hold in your right hand, but not in your left hand? (Answer: Your left hand)
    
21. 
    What has thirteen hearts, but no other organs? (Answer: A deck of cards)
    

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