When is a door not a door?

Behind the Groan

Ajar Becomes a Jar

A door is “ajar” when it is partly open. Spoken aloud, “ajar” also sounds like “a jar,” an object that is certainly not a door. The setup asks an impossible-sounding question, and the answer resolves it by letting one sound carry both meanings. Give listeners a moment to consider the riddle before answering. Pronounce “ajar” normally, without splitting it into two words, so recognition supplies the second meaning instead of delivery giving it away.