Daily alphabet — 2026-09-20

Across

1. 1. Witty remarks often used in conversation or writing. (7)
2. 8. Instrument used in orchestras, resembling a marimba. (9)
3. 10. Nineteenth-century poet who wrote the classic American collection Leaves of Grass. (7)
4. 12. Common injury from falling off a bike or skateboard. (8)
5. 16. Soft, cuddly companion for children (8)
6. 17. Apple's latest foldable smartphone released in 2023 (9)
7. 18. To alter the appearance by adding different colours. (9)

Down

1. 2. This item is often cracked open for a morning meal. (6)
2. 3. Tech firm that saw a stock surge after merger news (8)
3. 4. When the sun sets and the day is over. (7)
4. 5. Punishment served in a correctional facility (8)
5. 6. Wire wrapped in loops around a magnet to create an electromagnetic field. (4)
6. 7. Wall Street investment bank headquartered in Lower Manhattan, paired with Sachs. (7)
7. 9. Used for pulling boats or vehicles, often seen on water. (8)
8. 11. French soccer superstar who won the World Cup with France in 2018. (6)
9. 13. Ball-and-socket joint in the human body. (9)
10. 14. Traditional verse form with a specific rhythm. (9)
11. 15. Victorious German tennis player at the US Open 2023 men's final. (6)
12. 19. First name of Gannibal, the historic African-born noble with lands in Belarus. (5)