Lateral Thinking Riddles

Lateral thinking puzzles involve solving problems through an indirect and creative approach, using reasoning that is not immediately obvious, thinking out of the box and involving ideas that may not be obtainable by using only traditional step-by-step logic.

Late for Work

John, a peasant man in medieval times, gets a job in the city. On his first three shifts, he shows up incredibly late due to having difficulty waking up on time. His boss tells him that if this happens again, he will lose his job.

Frustrated, John heads to a nearby farm an asks the farmer if he can buy a rooster. He pays the farmer two silver coins and heads home with his rooster in hand. He will not be late again!

Unfortunately for him, he shows up late again and his boss fires him on the spot. Why was John late?

Riddle Answer