Riddle: What has two hands but no arms or legs?

Introduction / Context:
This is one of the most common classic riddles in English. It asks you to think about something that has "two hands" but does not have arms or legs. The puzzle tests whether you can move from the literal idea of human hands to other uses of the word "hand", such as the hands of a clock. It is a good example of how language can use the same word for both body parts and mechanical parts.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The riddle describes an object with two hands.
• It specifically has no arms and no legs.
• Options include a clock, robot, coat, fork and teddy bear.
• We assume a basic understanding of how analogue clocks are described.

Concept / Approach:
In everyday English, the moving pointers on an analogue clock are called "hands": the hour hand and the minute hand. Many clocks also have a second hand. We never think of these as arms or legs, but the term "hand" is used because they point to numbers in a similar way that a hand points at something. Thus, a clock literally "has" two or three hands while clearly having no arms or legs. The riddle depends on this dual meaning of the word.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Note that the riddle says there are no arms or legs, which removes normal human or animal bodies from consideration. Step 2: Think of non living things that people say have "hands". Clocks are the most obvious example. Step 3: Recall that analogue clocks have at least two hands: one shorter hand for hours and one longer hand for minutes. Step 4: Compare this with the options. A robot might have arms and legs; a coat has sleeves rather than hands; forks have prongs, not hands. Step 5: Recognise that a clock fits perfectly: it has hands but no limbs. Step 6: Conclude that the answer must be a clock.

Verification / Alternative check:
To verify, imagine describing the time: "The hour hand is on 3, and the minute hand is on 12." This is standard clock vocabulary. You never speak of a clock's arms or legs. Additionally, dictionaries explicitly list "hand" as the name for the pointer on a clock. None of the other options have this established connection between the word "hand" and their parts.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B, a robot, usually has metal arms and sometimes legs; the riddle rules out arms and legs.

Option C, a coat, has sleeves instead of hands, and you would not describe it as having hands on its own.

Option D, a fork, has tines or prongs, not hands.

Option E, a teddy bear, is drawn with arms and legs and sometimes paws; it does not match the description of having only hands.

Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is to think too literally and only associate "hands" with living creatures. Another pitfall is to overcomplicate the question by imagining fantasy creatures. In many simple riddles, the answer is a common household object. Remember to consider all the meanings of a word, especially when the riddle seems to describe something impossible at first glance.

Final Answer:
The object with two hands but no arms or legs is a clock.