Neighbor wants to borrow clothesline. "No, you can't borrow my clothes-line," says Nasruddin; "I'm using it to dry flour." The neighbor objects, "You can't dry flour on a clothes-line" "But you can if your goal is not to lend your clothes-line," says Nasruddin.
Notes:
Here's my short version:
A neighbor asked to borrow Nasruddin’s clothesline.
“Not possible,” said Nasruddin. “I’m using it right now.”
“But I didn’t see any clothes drying outside. What are you using it for?”
“I’m using it to dry flour,” said Nasruddin. “I spilled some water and the flour got wet.”
“You can’t use a clothesline for drying flour!” exclaimed the neighbor.
“You can when your purpose is to avoid loaning out your clothesline,” Nasruddin replied.