Like the Netherlands' coast (5) - Crossword Clue
Answer: DIKED
Understanding the Clue
- This crossword clue uses a simile construction - "like" signals you're looking for a descriptive term.
- The Netherlands is world-renowned for its water management infrastructure. Approximately 26% of the country sits below sea level, making dikes essential for survival.
- The term "diked" perfectly captures this characteristic feature of the Dutch coast.
Related Crossword Terms
- POLDER - reclaimed land protected by dikes
- LEVEE - similar embankment structure (5 letters)
- DUTCH - relating to the Netherlands
- DELTA - river mouth region requiring flood protection
Tips for Solving Geography Clues
- Look for national characteristics: Countries are often clued by their most famous features - tulips for Netherlands, fjords for Norway, outback for Australia.
- Consider water management terms: Coastal geography clues frequently involve flood protection vocabulary like diked, leveed, or embanked.
- Count letters first: With only 5 letters, eliminate longer alternatives like "protected" or "reinforced."
- Think about word forms: The clue's structure ("like") suggests an adjective or past participle describing the coast.
- Remember variant spellings: "Dike" and "dyke" are both correct, but crosswords typically use DIKED.
Like the Netherlands' coast (5) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q: What's the difference between a dike and a levee?
A: While similar, dikes are primarily used in coastal areas to hold back seawater, whereas levees typically manage river flooding. Dikes are generally broader and more substantial structures.
Q: Why does the Netherlands need so many dikes?
A: About one-quarter of the Netherlands lies below sea level, with the lowest point sitting 22 feet below sea level. Without dikes, much of the country would be underwater.
Q: Are there other 5-letter answers that could work?
A: "LEVEE" is a possible alternative, but it's less specific to the Netherlands. DIKED is the most accurate answer for Dutch coastal geography.
Q: Is this a common crossword answer?
A: Yes, DIKED appears regularly in crosswords because it's a useful 5-letter word with common letters (D, I, K, E) and relates to well-known geography.
Q: How do you pronounce "diked"?
A: Pronounced "DYKED" (rhymes with "biked"), it's the past tense of the verb "dike" or an adjective describing land protected by dikes.
