A mother hen patiently waits for me so her chick can greet the spring sun, but a submarine crew fastens me shut to keep ocean waters from rushing in. In a coop or on a ship, what am I?
A hatch
The answer relies on the multiple senses of the word 'hatch.' As a verb, it describes a chick breaking through its shell to be born, while as a nautical noun, it signifies an airtight door sealing a vessel.
About this riddle
Wordplay riddles depend on how words look and sound. Watch for double meanings, hidden words and letters you can move or remove.
Difficulty: Medium. More like this: Wordplay riddles with answers or try Anagrid for a different kind of puzzle.
More wordplay riddles
Drivers fear my transparent layer because I disguise myself as wet pavement, causing tires to slip on winter roads. What am I?
I am a complete home makeover done right after winter ends, yet my name begins with a bunny's favorite way to move. What seasonal task am I?
I swallow wood and spit out shavings all day long, ensuring your pencil stays sharp for every class assignment. What am I?
I have four leaves, but I contain no printed words, no paper, and no spine. If you find me in the grass, good fortune is yours. What am I?
People make me with the best intentions when the year begins, only to break me before spring arrives. What am I?
I fall gracefully from the cold sky with six delicate arms, yet no two of my kind have ever shared the exact same pattern. What am I?