4
$\begingroup$

This is my first puzzle, so I hope this is good enough for everyone...

Sometimes I am automatically forgotten but...

I always have a purpose.

I can help out in a hostile situation.

Firstly, I'll get you nowhere fast.

On the flip side, I can even take you backwards.

What am I?

Improve this question
$\endgroup$
0

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
5
$\begingroup$

My attempt at this puzzle is:

Gear

Updated after OP improvements - not limited to vehicle gears due to later clues


Sometimes I am automatically forgotten

A vehicle may have automatic gears so the driver can forget which gear they are in.

I always have a purpose

Gear is equipment that is used for a particular purpose.

I can help out in a hostile situation

Riot gear in a hostile situation (OP's help)

Original - Adverse weather conditions call for appropriate clothing (gear). Also can be weapons.

Firstly, I'll get you nowhere fast

First gear in a car won’t get you anywhere fast

On the flip side, I can even take you backwards.

In reverse gear you go backwards

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$
3
  • $\begingroup$ ... just as good as my answer - +1 $\endgroup$
    – abligh
    Jul 4, 2016 at 12:31
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ @Tom Correct! The hostile situation was specifically meant to infer riot gear just to include a hint unrelated to cars, it was meant to be 'gear' in general so not just specifically vehicle gears. $\endgroup$
    – hypern
    Jul 4, 2016 at 12:43
  • $\begingroup$ @hypern - that's super - and it's an improvement on my answer - thanks for this better reasoning - good puzz! $\endgroup$
    – Tom
    Jul 4, 2016 at 12:55
7
$\begingroup$

I think it is

Backups

because

Sometimes I am automatically forgotten but...
Rotation of backups can automatically delete them after time

I always have a purpose.
Who takes backups for no purpose?

I can help out in a hostile situation.
After a hostile attack on a computer, often the best course is to restore from backup

Firstly, I'll get you nowhere fast.
Restoring backups is slow

On the flip side, I can even take you backwards.
'Time-machine' type restore, takes you back to an earlier position in time

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$
2
  • $\begingroup$ I like this answer - especially suits helping out in a hostile situation very nicely along with the other clues! $\endgroup$
    – Tom
    Jul 4, 2016 at 12:35
  • $\begingroup$ @abligh This is a great answer, but its not the one I had in mind $\endgroup$
    – hypern
    Jul 4, 2016 at 12:40

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.