Have you ever heard the riddle “when is a door not a door?” and wondered what the answer is? If so, you are not alone. This riddle has been around for centuries and has puzzled many generations of people. In this article, we will explore the origin, meaning and possible answers of this riddle.
The Origin of the Riddle
According to Phrase Finder, the riddle “when is a door not a door?” first appeared in print in 1878, in a book called “The Handy Speaker” by Edward P. Philpotts. The book was a collection of speeches, dialogues and recitations for various occasions. The riddle was part of a humorous dialogue between two characters named Tom and Dick.
However, the riddle may be older than that, as it is based on a wordplay that involves homophones, or words that sound the same but have different meanings. In this case, the word “door” sounds like “adore”, which means to love or admire someone or something. Therefore, the riddle could also be phrased as “when is adore not adore?” or “when is a door not adore?”
The Meaning of the Riddle
The riddle “when is a door not a door?” is an example of a paradox, or a statement that seems contradictory or absurd but may have some truth in it. The riddle challenges the listener to think of a situation where a door is not functioning as a door, or where a door has a different meaning or purpose than what we normally expect.
The riddle also plays with the idea of perception and reality. A door is an object that we see and use every day, but what if we look at it from a different angle or perspective? What if we use our imagination and creativity to transform it into something else? What if we question the very definition and essence of a door?
The Possible Answers of the Riddle
There are many possible answers to the riddle “when is a door not a door?”, depending on how you interpret it. Here are some of the most common and popular ones:
– When it is ajar: This is the most widely accepted answer to the riddle, as it also involves a wordplay. Ajar means slightly open, but it also sounds like “a jar”, which is a container for storing food or liquids. Therefore, when a door is slightly open, it is not a door but a jar.
– When it is apart: This answer suggests that when a door is taken apart or dismantled, it is no longer a door but a collection of pieces or parts. This answer also implies that a door needs to be whole and intact to be considered as such.
– When it is art: This answer implies that when a door is used as an artistic expression or decoration, it is not a door but art. For example, some artists may paint on doors, carve doors into sculptures, or use doors as canvases or frames for their artworks.
– When it is adored: This answer plays with the homophone of “door” and “adore”, as mentioned earlier. When someone loves or admires a door so much that they treat it as more than just an object, it is not a door but adored.
– When it is metaphor: This answer suggests that when a door is used as a symbol or representation of something else, it is not a door but metaphor. For example, some people may use doors as metaphors for opportunities, choices, transitions, barriers, secrets, etc.
Of course, these are not the only possible answers to the riddle. You may come up with your own creative and original answers as well. The beauty of this riddle is that there is no definitive or correct answer. It all depends on how you think and what you see.
Conclusion
The riddle “when is a door not a door?” is more than just a simple wordplay. It is also an invitation to explore the world of language, logic and imagination. It challenges us to look beyond the obvious and ordinary and discover new meanings and possibilities in everyday things. It also reminds us that sometimes things are not what they seem, and that we can always find new ways to express ourselves and have fun with words.