Introduction / Context:
This is a classic English riddle that uses the word eye in a non human sense. The question asks what has one eye yet cannot see. At first, many people think of animals or people with one eye, but the riddle is actually pointing to a common household object that has a feature called an eye but no ability to see. The puzzle tests vocabulary knowledge and the ability to identify metaphorical uses of familiar words.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- We are asked to find something that has exactly one eye.
- Despite having an eye, it cannot see, so it is not a functioning visual organ.
- The answer is likely to be a small everyday object that uses the word eye in its parts.
- The options are a one eyed Jack playing card, a needle, a Blind Justice statue, and the eye of a hurricane.
- We assume the riddle refers to the simplest and most widely known answer used in children riddle books.
Concept / Approach:
The key concept is that in sewing and craft terminology, the small hole at the end of a sewing needle, where thread is passed through, is called the eye of the needle. This eye is obviously not a biological eye and does not see anything. The phrase one eye yet cannot see matches this feature perfectly. While the other options contain metaphoric or symbolic eyes, the needle is the standard answer in basic riddle collections and fits the wording without extra explanation.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Think about objects whose parts are called eyes besides living creatures.
Step 2: Recall that a sewing needle has a small hole at one end called the eye of the needle.
Step 3: Note that a needle has exactly one such eye for threading.
Step 4: Understand that this eye is just an opening and has no capability to see.
Step 5: Compare this understanding with the options and see that A needle matches the description perfectly.
Step 6: Recognize that one eyed Jack and hurricane eye involve more complex meanings and are not the usual basic riddle answers for young learners.
Verification / Alternative check:
To verify, consider how the riddle is presented in many children books: What has one eye but cannot see? with the answer A needle. Teachers often use this to show that words can have multiple meanings, such as eye of a storm and eye of a needle. Although the other options mention eyes symbolically, the simplest and most traditional answer is a needle, and many standard puzzle collections use it without alternatives.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
One eyed Jack playing card: This card picture is a depiction of a person, and the character does see within the game context, so it does not perfectly satisfy cannot see.
Blind Justice statue: This figure is usually blindfolded and symbolic; it is not the classic answer for this simple riddle.
Eye of a hurricane: This is a region of calm in a storm described as an eye but again is not the standard basic riddle response and may confuse beginners.
Common Pitfalls:
Many people initially imagine animals that lose an eye or mythological monsters, which complicates the problem. Others overthink the riddle and try to connect it to complex scientific terms. The key is to remember that basic riddles often refer to familiar household items. Recognizing that a needle has one eye for threading and obviously cannot see allows you to select the correct answer quickly in exams and quizzes.
Final Answer:
The thing that has one eye yet cannot see is
a needle.
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