What Has to Be Broken Before You Can Use It? is a classic kitchen riddle that most people have used without even thinking about it. Give it a try, then tap Show Answer to check.
Need a hint?
You’ll find it in the fridge, and you probably need it to make a cake or breakfast.
Answer and explanation (spoiler!)
The answer is an egg.
Usually breaking something means it’s ruined. An egg is the opposite: you have to crack its shell before you can cook with it, bake with it or eat it.
The riddle makes you think of things that are spoiled when they break, like a glass or a toy, so the everyday answer hides in plain sight.
Difficulty: Easy · Best for: ages 5 and up
Similar riddles
- What Is So Delicate That Saying Its Name Breaks It?
- What Has a Head and a Tail but No Body?
- What Gets Wetter and Wetter the More It Dries?
- What Is Full of Holes but Still Holds Water?
FAQ
Are there other answers?
A promise or a piggy bank are sometimes suggested, but “an egg” is the classic answer because you really can’t use it until it’s cracked.
Is this riddle good for young kids?
Yes. Children know eggs well, so it’s a great first riddle for ages 5 and up.