Daily hard — 2026-09-03

Across

1. 1. Art supply kit for sketching or drafting, often used by students. (9)
2. 3. Star behind the popular TV series 'Fame' and a dance advocate. (11)
3. 6. Queen song about ambition and desire. (10)
4. 12. Caution is thrown aside in this risky approach to life. (12)
5. 15. Gambling tools that favour the player. (10)
6. 16. Used to hit a ball in a popular racquet sport (12)
7. 17. Prepare the background for a performance or story. (11)
8. 19. Phrase expressing excitement about attending an event (10)
9. 22. Branch of Anglicans emphasising tradition and liturgy. (10)
10. 23. Title of a 1998 novel by a Scottish author known for dark humour. (10)
11. 24. Mysterious patterns found in fields of crops (11)
12. 25. Ancient Greek work that features Circe and the Cyclops (10)
13. 26. A common response indicating agreement or affirmation. (11)

Down

1. 2. Tradition involving requests to a North Pole resident. (12)
2. 4. Device used in explosives, often detonating dynamite. (11)
3. 5. She wore The Row's organza blouse at a London photocall (8)
4. 7. A phrase often used to describe a pair of delights. (11)
5. 8. Site of many significant political events in US history (10)
6. 9. Phrase popularised by 90s culture for doing something for enjoyment (12)
7. 10. This character's rogues include Reverse-Flash and Captain Cold. (8)
8. 11. Ceremonial Jewish coming of age for boys. (11)
9. 13. Created a noticeable impact or impression (11)
10. 14. Extra song included on a music album release (10)
11. 18. Shakespeare's term for a humble living place. (11)
12. 20. Leader discussing the value of human judgment amidst automation. (10)
13. 21. Base in baseball where players often slide home from. (9)