The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer to the riddle is a clock.
This classic riddle plays on the dual nature of a clock’s function and its physical state. The solution becomes clear when you break down the two parts of the statement.
The first phrase, “I go round and round,” directly describes the primary action of a clock’s hands. The second, minute, and hour hands are in constant, predictable motion, endlessly circling the clock’s face. They travel a circular path to measure and display the passage of time. This continuous movement is the very essence of how a traditional analog clock works. The hands complete their circuits repeatedly, creating a visual representation of the cyclical nature of a day.
The second phrase, “but always stay in my place,” refers to the clock as a whole object. Despite the perpetual motion happening on its face, the clock itself is stationary. Whether it is a large grandfather clock standing in a corner, a decorative piece hanging on a wall, or a small alarm clock sitting on a bedside table, its physical location does not change. It remains fixed in its designated spot, reliably performing its function without moving from its place.
The riddle’s cleverness lies in this contradiction. It personifies an object that experiences constant internal movement while being externally immobile. The hands travel, but the clock does not. Other objects like a stationary wheel or a fan could also fit the description, but the clock is the most common and classic answer to this specific riddle, perfectly capturing the idea of movement without displacement in a way that is familiar to everyone.
