I can rush, be still, be hot, be cold, and be hard. I can slip through almost anything. What am I?

Why this works

At first glance, this riddle seems to dance around the properties of a mysterious entity, but it cleverly leads us right to the heart of one of nature's most essential elements: water. Each of the descriptions—rushing, still, hot, cold, and hard—captures the versatile nature of water in a delightful way. When we think of water rushing, we envision a swift river or a torrential downpour, while its stillness might remind us of a serene lake or a tranquil pond. The temperature variations of water are equally fascinating; it can be hot as steam or soothingly cold as ice, and when frozen, it transforms into a solid state, exemplifying how it can be 'hard.' The beauty of this riddle lies in the myriad of forms that water can take, all of which are deeply embedded in our cultural and daily experiences. Water is a symbol of life, a source of sustenance, and even a metaphor for emotions in literature and art. Its ability to slip through almost anything speaks to its adaptability and importance in our lives, whether it’s flowing through soil to nourish plants or finding its way through tiny cracks in rock. A fun fact to ponder: did you know that water is the only substance on Earth that naturally exists in all three states—liquid, solid, and gas? This unique property not only makes it vital for life but also a fascinating subject of scientific study across various disciplines, from meteorology to environmental science. So, the next time you take a sip of water, remember the layers of complexity and utility it embodies!