I had a go at creating one of these grids. Some of these are likely not original, yet two or three might be unique. (A tip of the hat to Pandora, for her reviews and guidance.)

These are all representations of words, places or things. Can you figure them out? The restriction of one solve per person has expired.

4. afternoon nap ?

How interesting, Helmer!

8. first and foremost

I like your thinking with #4, oldbroad. Part of your answer matches part of mine.

Thanks, Marian. You're right on target with #8.

9. apartment for rent

That's the one, michele! (I'm confident that you meant to type 'apartments'.)

1 - hereinafter

Henceforth, OrleansBelle, you are the #1-winner.

6. Alongside

Good job, Helmer (and of course, Panda Su-pervisor) - thanks!

7. fade to black

Thanks, Lex and Redz. Two more beauts!

4. lazy afternoon

That's what I have, Sherlock (and, I strive to have it almost every day).

Hints Time

#2 One word

#3 Two words

#5 Two words

Also, for #3, I'd tried a variety of "glass" fonts, but none of them rendered well at small sizes. Think of the letters at the top as completely translucent.

2. innuendo

Nothing allusive about that, michele. May you always have blooms innuendo box!

More Hints

#3 is a thing

#5 is a place

5. Australian Outback (ouch!)

Good on ya, Demosthenes! A bottle of Victoria Bitter may dull the pain.

Brilliant!

3. nuclear fallout? Not really a place unless you mean a shelter.

Thank you, Sherlock! It's a wrap, just in time for tomorrow's regular fare.

Oops, my bad. I mixed them up.

Finally worked 5 out - ahs trail ian... in contrast to eg sarth every can https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Hr75pqA8bo

I don't get this one either Lex.