Daily hard — 2026-09-29

Across

1. 4. Knowledge gained through experience or observation. (11)
2. 6. Technique often used in French cuisine to concentrate flavours. (11)
3. 11. Often used to confirm receipt or existence in dialogue. (5)
4. 13. Famous pairings like Rodgers and Hammerstein or Lennon and McCartney. (11)
5. 14. To make rules that govern a society (9)
6. 17. Phrase describing a situation escalating in hostility (10)
7. 18. Term for a mismatched pair, once popularised in strip and film. (11)
8. 19. Reducing a charge in a legal case. (12)

Down

1. 1. Show that inspired a revival in 2021, featuring new cases. (10)
2. 2. Former currency of Germany before the euro (12)
3. 3. Describes something that is missing its most essential part. (8)
4. 5. Funfair game testing aim and accuracy with rings (10)
5. 7. He famously defeated Pete Sampras in the 2000 US Open quarter-finals. (10)
6. 8. Grouping of artists sharing a common philosophy or style (11)
7. 9. Enduring discomfort without complaint, often used in sports. (11)
8. 10. Tall dog breed known for its friendly nature. (10)
9. 12. Polite response when someone helps you or gives you something. (8)
10. 13. What a competitor does in a race after the starting gun (12)
11. 15. What you do to clarify your message in conversation. (10)
12. 16. Condition often described as a strain in athletes (10)