Daily hard — 2026-10-10

Across

1. 1. A phrase often used to emphasise sincerity in conversation. (12)
2. 2. This bank recently reported quarterly profits exceeding forecasts. (12)
3. 3. Term for the intermission in a game of football or rugby. (9)
4. 5. A phrase indicating a definitive conclusion. (10)
5. 6. Title of a 2018 album by the band The Frights. (11)
6. 9. Common response when someone is asked if they hear you. (11)
7. 13. Member of the Spice Girls known for her sporty style. (8)
8. 14. A magician's phrase for making something vanish or appear. (12)
9. 15. Person who drives for a popular rideshare service (10)
10. 16. A segment found at the end of a book or document. (8)
11. 17. Basic unit of the nervous system. (9)

Down

1. 1. Teams competing in a winter sliding sport. (12)
2. 3. Product that eliminates unpleasant odours indoors (12)
3. 4. Personification often depicted with a scythe and hourglass (10)
4. 7. Event leading to tighter monetary policy and bank failures (12)
5. 8. His battle against Voldemort forms the series' central conflict (11)
6. 10. Famous American whiskey brand known for its bold flavour. (10)
7. 11. What a weightlifter does at the gym for muscle building. (9)
8. 12. This US player scored twice in a 4-1 win over Paraguay in 2023. (7)