A plane crashed and every single person on board died. However there were two survivors. How is this possible?

This clever riddle hinges entirely on the fascinating double meaning of a common word. When we first hear "every single person on board died," our minds naturally jump to the idea of every individual, every solitary human, perishing in the crash. It's a powerful image that leads us to believe no one could possibly have made it out alive.

However, the trick lies in the second, less obvious definition of "single" – meaning unmarried or not in a relationship. If "every single person" died, it means every person who was unmarried died. This leaves open the possibility that those who were *not* single, perhaps a couple, could have survived. They wouldn't fit the description of a "single" person in that particular context, thus allowing for the two survivors.

Riddles like this are a wonderful demonstration of how language, while seemingly straightforward, can be incredibly nuanced and full of playful ambiguities. They challenge our initial assumptions and force us to consider alternative interpretations of words we use every day. It's a reminder to pay close attention to the precise phrasing, as a single word can completely change the meaning and unlock the solution to what seems like an impossible scenario. This kind of wordplay encourages critical thinking and highlights the creative power of language.