Daily hard — 2026-08-31

Across

1. 6. Creamy condiment with a spicy kick often used in sushi dishes. (10)
2. 9. Metaphorically, they can signify trouble or sadness in life. (10)
3. 11. Computer science concept referring to available memory or disk area (9)
4. 14. Describes a repetitive feature in some literary works or speeches. (9)
5. 15. Title of a song referencing a nostalgic connection to the past. (12)
6. 16. Common practice in US healthcare financing for services (10)
7. 17. Term for resuming a formal agreement in a partnership. (9)
8. 18. Covers act often named after the original band (12)
9. 20. Title of a punk rock band known for covers of pop songs (7)
10. 22. This gastropod is known for its unique mating ritual involving love darts. (10)
11. 23. Location in the UK associated with steep climbs and views. (9)
12. 24. Term used in literature to describe intricate storytelling. (8)

Down

1. 1. A term often used in boxing for a one-on-one fight. (9)
2. 2. An informal assessment of comedic effectiveness, often subjective. (10)
3. 3. UK organisation helping girls develop skills and friendships (11)
4. 4. In astronomy, this term describes a system with three or more stars. (12)
5. 5. Term used to describe alternative versions in music releases (9)
6. 7. Polling method with multiple opinions on issues of interest (10)
7. 8. Historical name for a herb used in traditional remedies for colds. (10)
8. 10. A term used for a type of controlled burn in marine environments. (7)
9. 12. Shakespeare's term reflecting uninvited circumstances in life (10)
10. 13. Popularised by characters in 1980s film and TV culture. (7)
11. 14. British term for a small outbuilding often used for hobbies (10)
12. 19. Structures associated with the exploration of fossil fuels (12)
13. 20. A popular brand for girdles in the mid-20th century (10)
14. 21. Welsh football club backed by Martha Stewart (11)