Daily hard — 2026-09-25

Across

1. 4. Phrase associated with rejecting unfounded claims in debates (10)
2. 8. Popular term for those seeking love or companionship. (12)
3. 9. What a bounty hunter might collect for a captured fugitive. (10)
4. 12. Jethro's wealthy uncle in a classic sitcom (8)
5. 13. House of Congress interns often seen in formal dress (11)
6. 15. Journalist known for her work with The Guardian. (11)
7. 16. An expression of challenge in a duel or contest. (6)
8. 18. Famous ski resort in Wyoming, USA. (11)
9. 19. Flat strips on which strings are pressed in stringed instruments (10)
10. 20. Examples include the Nile and Mississippi, rich in biodiversity. (11)

Down

1. 1. Performers who groove to funky music of the 70s (12)
2. 2. Received a brief smell of something nearby (9)
3. 3. Also known as 'White Elephant', this exchange can be strategic. (10)
4. 5. Trendy places to inhale flavoured oxygen for relaxation (10)
5. 6. Informed of something that was said or done (10)
6. 7. Common term for salaries received by workers (10)
7. 10. To manage your speed or effort carefully during an activity (11)
8. 11. Theatrical figures manipulated with hands, often featuring in shows (12)
9. 14. In programming, a common way to process multiple items. (9)
10. 17. Measurement often used for soft drink containers. (8)