Daily hard — 2026-08-24

Across

1. 2. A play of colours seen in opals and some other gems. (11)
2. 5. Percussion instrument with wooden bars and mallets. (9)
3. 6. Not showing respect for others; a lack of courtesy. (8)
4. 9. In a way that shows inability to act or respond. (10)
5. 11. Two-dimensional shape often used in geometry. (11)
6. 14. Passageways often found in schools and offices (9)
7. 18. Having denser or thicker plant growth. (7)
8. 19. Common writing instruments often found in stationery sets. (12)
9. 22. Franchise with six Super Bowl titles, tied for most in history. (7)
10. 23. Group of unsaturated hydrocarbons with the formula CnH2n (7)
11. 25. Performer skilled in tricks and sleight of hand (11)
12. 26. Regrettable phone calls after a night out, often to old flames (10)

Down

1. 1. Term in programming for a reference to data attributes (7)
2. 3. An ancient term often used in poetry, meaning to embellish with gold. (7)
3. 4. To walk with heavy, tired steps, like a slog. (8)
4. 7. Office task involving a device that joins sheets (8)
5. 8. Causing offence or insult to someone. (10)
6. 10. Terms used to describe nearness in space or time. (11)
7. 12. Celebratory event for a victorious champion (7)
8. 13. Famous group of children in classic comedies (7)
9. 15. Stood or sat with one leg on each side. (9)
10. 16. Chemical compound often used as a preservative. (8)
11. 17. Architectural features popularised in Renaissance villas. (10)
12. 20. The first name of the actor who played Captain Blood (5)
13. 21. Tight-fitting trousers popular in casual fashion (11)
14. 24. Notable for viral dance hits and humorous music videos (3)