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Brain teaser: Only 1 in 10 people can solve this mind bending riddle

A puzzle asked what came once in a minute, twice in a moment, but never in a thousand years, and it kept readers guessing until the answer was revealed.

Published on: Sep 26, 2025 10:22 PM IST
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Who does not enjoy a good brain teaser? These mind-bending puzzles have entertained people for generations, sparking curiosity and sharpening problem-solving skills. Today, artificial intelligence is adding a fresh twist by generating riddles that captivate both the young and the old. If you enjoy such challenges, we have created a special AI-powered puzzle just for you to solve.

Readers were challenged with a classic riddle created using AI that relied on wordplay rather than logic. (Image generated using AI)
Readers were challenged with a classic riddle created using AI that relied on wordplay rather than logic. (Image generated using AI)

(Also read: Brain teaser: Can you crack this simple yet mind twisting puzzle?)

The puzzle question

The riddle created with the help of AI reads: “What comes once in a minute, twice in a moment, but never in a thousand years?”

At first glance, the question may seem almost impossible to solve. However, the brilliance of this puzzle lies not in complicated calculations but in the elegance of simple wordplay.

Why brain teasers remain popular

Brain teasers have timeless appeal, captivating people of all ages. For children, they are an enjoyable way to sharpen cognitive skills and inspire creative thinking. For adults, they act as a mental workout, keeping the mind sharp while offering a refreshing break from everyday routines.

The solution to the riddle is surprisingly simple. The answer is the letter M. It appears once in the word minute, twice in the word moment, and not at all in the phrase a thousand years.

What makes this riddle especially delightful is its playful use of language. It reminds us that solutions are often hidden in plain sight, revealed only when we look at things from a different perspective.

 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mahipal Singh Chouhan

Mahipal Singh Chouhan is a Senior Content Producer at Hindustan Times Digital, with nearly five years of experience in digital journalism and content production. His work primarily focuses on offbeat and trending stories that reflect everyday experiences and evolving conversations on the internet. He has consistently worked on transforming viral content and human interest stories into structured news pieces that engage readers while maintaining editorial clarity. At Hindustan Times, Mahipal contributes to identifying and developing stories emerging from social media trends, online communities, and real-world incidents that capture public attention. His approach involves adding context and journalistic perspective to fast-moving digital narratives, helping present viral moments in a clear and reader-friendly format suited for digital audiences. Before joining Hindustan Times Digital, he was associated with DNA India, where he gained experience in newsroom workflows and digital storytelling practices. Mahipal holds a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the Vivekananda Institute of Professional Studies, Delhi. He is particularly interested in tracking emerging trends and understanding how online conversations evolve into broader public discussions. His work reflects a focus on accuracy, readability, and relevance in the rapidly changing digital news environment. Outside of his professional responsibilities, Mahipal takes an interest in history and sports and regularly works on improving his general knowledge, which complements his curiosity as a media professional.

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