Crossword Genius

They can help make a muddy estuary a bit colourful! (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

dyes

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'they' is the definition.
Both the definition and answer are plural nouns.
Maybe you can see an association between them that I don't see?

'help make a muddy estuary a bit colourful' is the wordplay.
'DYES' is hidden within the letters.
However, I am unsure how this is indicated.

'can' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for dyes that I've seen before include "Stains" , "Colours (fabric)" , "Colour" , "turns green, possibly" , "Many a pigment" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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