Daily hard — 2026-10-28

Across

1. 1. Recognition or certification awarded for achievement or service. (7)
2. 5. What you must do when faced with multiple options. (8)
3. 7. Something you might do with a weighty object (6)
4. 10. Iconic character in a classic Simon & Garfunkel song (11)
5. 12. Nickname of the Mexican Formula One driver Sergio Perez (5)
6. 16. A mysterious spin delivery in cricket (6)
7. 18. Term used historically for women managing large retail establishments. (10)
8. 19. Gain a tactical advantage over an opponent (8)
9. 20. A phrase often used to express frankness (10)

Down

1. 2. In Shakespeare's plays, a technique used for effect (7)
2. 3. Form of movement often associated with slippery creatures. (6)
3. 4. Historically, a carefree individual during a festival, often in literature (7)
4. 5. To change to a lower gear in a vehicle (9)
5. 6. Current Barcelona manager who was a club legend as a player (4)
6. 8. Glass containers used for preserving or transporting substances in medicine. (7)
7. 9. A pouting expression often seen in portraits. (4)
8. 11. Term used in nautical contexts for adjusting the angle of a sail (6)
9. 13. Moves swiftly or violently through the air (7)
10. 14. An exclusive invitation or opportunity that’s in demand (9)
11. 15. A fight that breaks out in a pub or tavern. (8)
12. 17. Measures of distance or extent, often used in running races. (7)