Roundabout Speech

Roundabout speech is an indirect way of expressing an idea. Common objects have concise terms by which they are referred to but there may be numerous descriptions for that object which make it identifiable even without mentioning its name. It seems like an uncomplicated task and it truly is unless one wants to make it slightly challenging to guess. It is amazing how our mind perceives the most simple form of a stimulus. It extracts the most basic form out of a complex whole. It became challenging to talk about simple objects in descriptive terms without giving it away easily. Here goes my attempt:

1. Sharp edges, crossed across each other. Inseparable and synchronized movements, eating its way through.

2. Soft on one end, hard on the other. Always rubbed against a hard surface, puffing clouds of dust when hit against a wall.

3. Three sisters moving in circles. One being sluggish, one being swift and the other in between.

4. It comes in different shapes, colours and sizes. Everything is hazy till it sits on a bridge, after which one gains clarity.

I think all of the above descriptions were straightforward and easily identifiable. The answers are given below because all of us don't think the same way and the above descriptions may mean different things to different people. I have however tried to keep it clear and not ambiguous, I hope they make sense.

Answers:

1. Scissors

2. Duster

3. The hands of a clock

4. Spectacles