The crossword solution for the term 'LIKE SOME STRAITS' is DIRE, which is a four-letter word. DIRE is an adjective that means 'very bad or serious'. It can be used to describe a situation or a condition that is extremely unpleasant or dangerous. In this context, it is used to describe straits, which are narrow passages of water connecting two larger bodies of water. Some straits are very dangerous and difficult to navigate, making them DIRE.