Only tiny amount of people can solve 'impossible' candle riddle that's actually simple

Brits have been left baffled by this perplexing brainteaser - but it's surprisingly straightforward. The secret to this 'impossible' puzzle, which only five per cent of people can actually solve, is to avoid overthinking it.

You'll also require a keen mind and the intellect of a pint-sized Einstein to sidestep the mistake most people trip over. Challenges like these prove brilliant for keeping children entertained when they're reluctant to venture outside in the rain, and serve as absolute lifesavers during those gruelling train commutes.

Additionally, brainteasers have been shown to impact the central nervous system positively, resulting in advantages such as enhanced attention span and better concentration.

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You might even notice an endorphin rush when you finally get the correct answer! With that in mind, try your hand at this puzzle. "There are five candles in a church," the puzzle states. "At night, three male thieves and two female thieves appear. Only males carry candles. How many candles are there?"

We're offering no hints or help with this particular challenge: you're on your own. Fortunately, you're not battling against the clock so you can take your moment and re-read the riddle.

Already throwing in the towel, or believe you've finally sussed it out? Scroll down to the bottom of the article for the solution. If that puzzle proved no challenge for a mastermind like yourself, it's time to step things up slightly with this bewildering conundrum.

Devised by the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) you'll need to possess the brains and analytical prowess of a top spy to tackle this one.

So, don your James Bond thinking caps and prepare to save the world from evil. Your mission is to determine which of the following words or phrases doesn't belong?

Again, we're not providing any hints for this one, but there's no time limit, so take a moment and get to work. Think you've cracked it, or ready to throw in the towel already? Click here to unveil the answer.

ANSWER: Eight. No one mentioned that the thieves had nicked any candles, only that they were holding them. Add their three to those already in the church (5 + 3) to find the answer. Fancy another mental workout?

Browse our collection of brainteasers, puzzles, and riddles here. Or, discover more about the hidden aspects of your personality by trying a mind-bending optical illusion.