Daily hard — 2026-09-04

Across

1. 2. This star of 'Skyfall' has won multiple Academy Awards. (9)
2. 4. Psychological term for suppressing emotions, often linked to stress (10)
3. 5. Smart and shrewd, often used in Northern England. (5)
4. 11. Song featuring a favourite thing of a certain doe. (8)
5. 12. Phrase often used in hospitality to encourage comfort (10)
6. 13. Imitative criminal behaviour often seen in the media (12)
7. 15. Short fictional work, often found in magazines. (9)
8. 16. Outdoor activity where players freeze when tagged (9)
9. 18. Response often given when everything is fine or manageable. (9)
10. 19. Pigment used in pens and printers (3)
11. 21. The measure of a politician's appeal to voters (12)
12. 23. Discovering a valuable resource while drilling. (11)
13. 24. Strategy to empower the economically disadvantaged post-2000 (12)
14. 25. Infiltrated groups waiting for orders to act (12)

Down

1. 1. Trump's former personal lawyer and radio host. (12)
2. 3. Artistic assembly of diverse elements, often in a collage. (7)
3. 4. Customer request for drinks in a pub or restaurant. (8)
4. 6. Desert guide skilled in navigating sandy terrain (8)
5. 7. A term used in science fiction to describe a change in form (11)
6. 8. A transformation seen in classical tales, often with dire consequences. (12)
7. 9. What you might say when something feels true but isn’t certain (5)
8. 10. Narrative threads in a story or script (9)
9. 14. Describes singing or playing out of tune (10)
10. 17. Members of a subculture known for their dark fashion (5)
11. 20. Term for group harassment in workplaces or schools (7)
12. 22. Displays something proudly and ostentatiously (7)