Riddle me

Meaning

The idiom "riddle me" is used when someone is confused or perplexed about something. It can also be used to express disbelief or skepticism towards a statement or claim. The phrase is often used as a rhetorical question, which means that the speaker does not expect an answer but rather wants to make a point.

Usage

• "I don't understand how you can believe that conspiracy theory. It doesn't hold up to any scrutiny." (disbelief)
• "She said she was going to study for the test, but I riddle me why she didn't take it seriously." (perplexity)
• "I'm sorry, but I can't agree with your decision to quit your job. It seems like a risky move." (skepticism)
• "The instructions for the appliance are unclear. How am I supposed to know how to use it?" (confusion)
• "I riddle me what you see in him. He's not a very interesting person." (disbelief or skepticism)

Roots and History

The origin of the idiom is uncertain, but it is believed to have emerged in medieval times when riddles were popular forms of entertainment and intellectual exercises. In contemporary language, the phrase has evolved to be used more broadly to express confusion or disbelief about any topic.

Synonyms in English

• "I don't know"
• "It's unclear"
• "I can't make sense of it"
• "I'm at a loss"
• "I'm befuddled"

Synonyms in other languages

• Spanish - "No entiendo" (I don't understand)
• French - "Je ne comprends pas" (I don't understand)
• German - "Ich verstehe nicht" (I don't understand)
• Italian - "Non capisco" (I don't understand)
• Chinese - "我不明白" (I don't understand)

Similar Idioms

• bump into

• red tape

• scot-free