What Is Heavy Forward but Not Backward? is a word riddle. The answer is hiding in the spelling! Try it, then tap Show Answer.
Riddle: What is heavy forward but not backward?
Answer: Ton
Need a hint?
It’s a short three-letter word. Try spelling your guesses backwards.
Answer and explanation (spoiler!)
The answer is ton.
A ton is a very heavy weight (about 1,000 kilograms). Spell “ton” backwards and you get “not”. So forwards it’s heavy, but backwards it’s “not” heavy.
The riddle sounds like a question about weight or direction, but it’s really about reading the letters of a word in reverse.
Difficulty: Medium · Best for: ages 9 and up
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FAQ
Is “tonne” also correct?
The riddle only works with the spelling “ton”, because “tonne” backwards is “ennot”.
How can I solve word riddles like this?
When a riddle mentions forwards, backwards or reading, try spelling the answer in reverse. The trick is often in the letters.