The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word LOOSE
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
L
O
O
S
E
More clues leading to the result LOOSE
- Free and easy
- Fail to admit love, being vague
- Hanging Gardens ultimately seen in Cornish town
- Free toilets on end of promenade
- Free toilets by end of lane
- Unattached ladies and gents couple finally
- Behold ring being used to bind each type of folder
- See enormous energy unrestrained
- Lavatory, not for all, in use — then free
- Free to fail, securing nothing
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "free" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case free = loose.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does LOOSE mean?
LOOSE noun- The release of an arrow.
- A state of laxity or indulgence; unrestrained freedom, abandonment.
- All play other than set pieces (scrums and line-outs).
- Freedom from restraint.
- A letting go; discharge.
- To let loose, to free from restraints.
- To unfasten, to loosen.
- To make less tight, to loosen.
- Of a grip or hold, to let go.
- To shoot (an arrow)
- To set sail.
- To solve; to interpret.
- Not fixed in place tightly or firmly.
- Not held or packaged together.
- Not under control.
- Not fitting closely
- Not compact.
- Relaxed.
- Not precise or exact; vague; indeterminate.
- Indiscreet.
- (somewhat dated) Free from moral restraint; immoral, unchaste.
- Not being in the possession of any competing team during a game.
- Not costive; having lax bowels.
- Begin shooting; release your arrows