Pot holes are a common problem on roads and highways. They are caused by water seeping into the ground beneath the pavement, which then causes the pavement to crack and break apart. The term 'pot holes' is derived from the fact that these depressions in the road look like pots or bowls. The crossword solution for this term is 'Ruts, ' which refers to the deep grooves that form in the road surface due to the repeated passage of vehicles over the same area.