LA Times Crossword

February 12, 2026

Joe Marquez

 

The first four clues below have something in common that is hinted at by the fifth clue. Can you determine what it is?

 

1. FOOL'S ERRAND

2. CLOSE ONE

3. FREE SOLO

4. TOOL SET

5. Collection found under sofa cushions  

 

Answers to Clue 5:

 

LOOSE CHANGE

 

Answers to Clues 1-4:

 

Each clue has the letters of the word LOOSE in consecutive but scrambled (changed) order:

 

1. fOOL'S Errand

2. cLOSE One 

3. freE SOLO

4. tOOL SEt