Daily hard — 2026-09-24

Across

1. 1. Labels indicating food freshness (11)
2. 4. Key term for the final cost to the buyer in retail. (9)
3. 6. Popular decorative rugs known for their long, fluffy pile. (8)
4. 11. Successful attempt in basketball or photography (11)
5. 13. Conflict or disagreements with someone. (6)
6. 16. To identify a problem with something or someone. (10)
7. 18. Common animal used in scientific experiments (6)
8. 19. Major source of oil and gas in Texas and New Mexico (12)
9. 20. These tender vegetables are a favourite in springtime recipes. (9)
10. 21. Popular warm beverage often enjoyed after dinner (12)
11. 22. Final exam for chemistry students, often said to be tough. (8)

Down

1. 2. What a road does to a destination (9)
2. 3. Famous line from a 1986 action film about aliens. (11)
3. 5. Historical performances popular in medieval Europe (11)
4. 7. Type of employment that involves collective bargaining (12)
5. 8. Alice Cooper hit celebrating the end of term. (10)
6. 9. Describes something eerie or strange, often in a spooky way. (10)
7. 10. Practice round before an official event (7)
8. 12. Leader of a Muppet band, known for his flamboyant personality (7)
9. 14. Term often used to express bad luck in gambling or life (11)
10. 15. This small fish has been instrumental in genetic studies (9)
11. 17. Southern US staple featuring a stone fruit in its filling. (8)