What Can Go Up a Chimney Down but Cannot Go Down a Chimney Up? is a tongue-twisting riddle. Read it slowly! Then tap Show Answer.
Riddle: What can go up a chimney down, but cannot go down a chimney up?
Answer: Umbrella
Need a hint?
You open it when it rains.
Answer and explanation (spoiler!)
The answer is an umbrella.
When an umbrella is “down” (closed), it’s thin enough to fit up a chimney. When it’s “up” (open), it’s far too wide to go down one.
The riddle swaps the meaning of up and down: they describe the umbrella, not the direction it travels.
Difficulty: Hard · Best for: ages 9 and up
Similar riddles
- What Goes Up When Rain Comes Down?
- What Goes Up and Never Comes Down?
- What Comes Down but Never Goes Back Up?
- What Can You Blow Up and Keep Intact?
FAQ
Why is this riddle hard?
Because “up” and “down” appear twice with two different meanings: direction, and open or closed.
Is there an easier version?
Yes, try “What goes up when rain comes down?” It has the same answer and is perfect for younger kids.