dam crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Here you'll find all the possible solutions for the crossword clue "dam crossword clue," along with detailed explanations to help you understand and master your puzzles.
Solutions for "dam crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
WEIR: A low barrier built across a river to raise the water level slightly or divert it.
DIKE: An embankment built to prevent flooding from a sea or river.
5 Letters
LEVEE: An embankment built to prevent a river from overflowing its banks.
BLOCK: To impede or obstruct the flow of something; can also refer to a solid barrier.
7 Letters
BARRAGE: An artificial barrier across a river, typically used to increase the depth of water for irrigation or power generation.
More About "dam crossword clue"
The term "dam" in a crossword puzzle can be surprisingly versatile, leading to several different answers depending on the context and the number of letters required. At its core, a dam is a barrier that holds back water. This can refer to large, impressive structures like those used for hydroelectric power, or smaller, simpler barriers designed to manage water flow in rivers and canals.
Crossword setters often use "dam" to refer to specific types of water barriers, such as a WEIR (a low dam), a DIKE (an embankment, often coastal), or a LEVEE (an embankment alongside a river). Sometimes, the clue might be more abstract, hinting at the action a dam performs – to BLOCK or impede something. Always consider both the concrete and the metaphorical meanings of the word when tackling this clue.
Understanding these nuances can significantly improve your chances of solving "dam" related clues, allowing you to correctly identify whether the answer is a physical structure or a concept of obstruction.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Word Count: The length of the answer is often the biggest clue. A 4-letter "dam" will likely be WEIR or DIKE, while a 7-letter one might be BARRAGE.
- Consider Synonyms and Actions: Think beyond just physical structures. Does "dam" imply "to stop," "to hold back," or "to hinder"? This can lead to answers like BLOCK.
- Check Intersecting Letters: If you have letters from crossing words, use them to eliminate unlikely answers and confirm the correct one. This is crucial for ambiguous clues.
- Context is Key: While "dam" is straightforward, some clues might subtly hint at a specific type of dam or even a homonym (like "damn" in a cryptic puzzle). Always read the full clue carefully.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'dam' typically refer to in a crossword puzzle?
In crosswords, 'dam' usually refers to a barrier that holds back water, such as a WEIR, DIKE, BARRAGE, or LEVEE. It can also metaphorically hint at verbs like 'to BLOCK' or 'to impede'.
Are there different types of 'dam' structures often used as answers?
Yes, common answers include WEIR (a low dam), DIKE (an embankment), LEVEE (a natural or artificial bank), and BARRAGE (a larger artificial barrier). The specific answer depends on the letter count and context provided by other clues.
How can I get unstuck on a 'dam' crossword clue?
Consider synonyms for 'barrier', 'obstruct', or 'hold back'. Pay close attention to the number of letters and any intersecting letters you already have. Think about both physical structures and the action of stopping something.