Daily alphabet — 2026-08-09

Across

1. 2. Monitor someone's activities closely. (8)
2. 6. Someone who exploits phone systems illegally (8)
3. 8. Achieved a significant win or accomplishment (9)
4. 11. Upper chamber of the US legislature (8)
5. 13. Character portrayed by Uma Thurman in Kill Bill (7)
6. 15. Transformations that enlarge or shrink figures in geometry. (9)
7. 17. Term used in egg grading, especially in culinary contexts. (9)
8. 18. Deceive someone into thinking something is true (7)
9. 19. Another term for Vikings, famed raiders from the North. (8)

Down

1. 1. A cut of beef often used for slow cooking (7)
2. 3. More reserved or timid than usual (5)
3. 4. Musical instrument often associated with children’s toys. (9)
4. 5. Wrote 'The Gift of the Magi', a classic holiday tale. (6)
5. 7. What some claim to do for insight into personality traits (9)
6. 9. This child garnered media attention for his quick thinking in 2023. (9)
7. 10. Expresses a strong opinion against contrary views (7)
8. 12. Australian ranch worker who helps with cattle (8)
9. 14. Woodworking tool often used in furniture assembly. (9)
10. 16. Last name of the 1992 election contender from Indiana (6)