The riddle "what bends as it straightens" has multiple answers, depending on the interpretation of the clues. Here are some possible answers based on the search results:
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A corner: According to a Reddit thread, a corner is a bend in a wall, but it creates two straight walls and a flatly delineated space. This answer satisfies the clue "bends as it straightens."
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A fishhook: Fresherslive suggests that a fishhook is initially crafted from a rigid substance like metal and shaped into a curved form. However, when a fish bites, the hook straightens out and becomes taut, bending as it straightens.
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A mirror: Another Reddit thread suggests that a mirror bends light even if you straighten it, and with a reflection, there will always be two things if you find one.
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A river: A ProBoards post suggests that a river bends as it straightens its course to the sea. It has nothing to prove, but it is always moving forward and changing.
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Metal: Metal Arts Press explains that bending is used in almost every fabricated metal product. Because many times welding cannot be done until the bending operations are complete, the welder is often required to perform bending tasks as part of his job. This answer satisfies the clue "something that is bent in its normal state, and has to be bent to be straightened."
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Organizations and human systems: A book titled "How To Bend In Order To Straighten" suggests that organizations and human systems must be flexible and adaptable to change in order to achieve their objectives. This answer satisfies the clue "something that is impossible to straighten completely, that one nonetheless could try."
In conclusion, the riddle "what bends as it straightens" has multiple possible answers, depending on the interpretation of the clues.
