What Has Keys But Can't Open Locks (Riddle & Answer Explained)

Riddles have a unique way of teasing the brain, sparking curiosity, and making us think outside the box. One such classic riddle that has amused and puzzled people for years is:

“What has keys but can’t open locks?”

At first glance, this riddle may sound like a trick question—after all, we naturally associate “keys” with unlocking something. But let’s dive into the deeper meaning behind this playful question.

The Riddle: Breaking It Down

“What has keys” – This part leads our minds to physical keys, like house or car keys.

“But can’t open locks” – This is where the twist happens. Despite having "keys," the object in question is not capable of opening anything.

So, if not traditional keys… what kind of “keys” could it be referring to?

The Answer: A Piano

Yes, the answer is a piano.

A piano has keys—typically 88 of them—but none of them can open a lock. These keys are musical notes, not metal instruments designed to turn in locks.

Why This Riddle Works:

This riddle is a great example of wordplay. It uses the double meaning of the word “keys” to mislead you. In one sense, “keys” can refer to physical objects used to open locks. In another sense, especially in the world of music, “keys” refer to the levers on a piano that produce different notes when pressed.

The riddle works so well because it taps into our automatic assumptions. We hear “keys” and immediately think of something functional—like unlocking a door. Only after a moment of reflection (or frustration) do we realize the twist.

A Fun Fact About Piano Keys

Most modern pianos have 88 keys: 52 white keys and 36 black keys. These allow musicians to play in various keys (musical scales) and create rich, complex melodies. So while piano keys can’t open physical locks, they certainly unlock creativity and emotion.

Other Riddles about Piano:

Here are 20 riddles about a piano, each with its answer:

I have eighty-eight teeth, but I never bite. What am I?

Answer: A piano

I have black and white stairs, but lead nowhere. What am I?

Answer: A piano

I have many keys, but open no doors. I can make a sound without a voice. What am I?

Answer: A piano

I have a lid and legs, but no body to speak of. I can sing without a mouth. What am I?

Answer: A piano

Press my keys, and I will sing a song for you. I have hammers but build nothing. What am I?

Answer: A piano

I stand in a room, often black and grand. Played by fingers, a musical land. What am I?

Answer: A piano

I have foot pedals, but no wheels to roll. I can stir the soul. What am I?

Answer: A piano

I hold many notes, but write no letters. I create harmony, making things better. What am I?

Answer: A piano

I have a bench to sit on, while my keys are pressed. I make beautiful noise, putting hearts at rest. What am I?

Answer: A piano

I can be upright or grand, a musical machine. I'm full of strings, though rarely seen. What am I?

Answer: A piano

I'm a large instrument, often made of wood. I speak through music, misunderstood. What am I?

Answer: A piano

I have ivory (or plastic) teeth, a musical smile. Played by artists, for a long while. What am I?

Answer: A piano

I can play a lullaby or a powerful chord. I'm a source of music, truly adored. What am I?

Answer: A piano

I have dampers, but I don't stop fires. I control the sound, fulfilling desires. What am I?

Answer: A piano

I require tuning to sound just right. I fill a room with musical light. What am I?

Answer: A piano

I can be a solo act or part of a band. Guided by fingers, across the land. What am I?

Answer: A piano

I have a fallboard to cover my keys. I wait for a player to put minds at ease. What am I?

Answer: A piano

I'm a percussion instrument, yet played with touch. I offer a range of notes, oh so much. What am I?

Answer: A piano (While often grouped with keyboards, technically a piano is a percussion instrument because hammers strike the strings).

I sit patiently, waiting for hands to roam. I bring the sound of music to your home. What am I?

Answer: A piano

I have three pedals down below, changing the sound as the notes flow. What am I?

Answer: A piano

Check out The More You Take The More You Leave Behind (Riddle & Answer Explained)

Final Thoughts

Riddles like “What has keys but can’t open locks?” are a fun reminder of how language can be twisted to surprise and amuse us. It’s not just about getting the answer—it’s about enjoying the process of thinking differently.

Next time you hear a riddle, take a moment before jumping to conclusions. You might find that the answer is hiding in plain sight… just like the piano in this one.