ASCENTOFAWOMAN

NIGERIANPRINCECriminal reining in caper scamming royal family member? (8,6) FOURMINUTEMILEMmmmm … sporting achievement that was hard to surpass (4-6,4) CUTMESOMESLACK"Sheesh, no need to be so strict!" ELICITFELICITYSpark joy? PAPERCUTAPERCU"A sharp edge recalls a splinter's bite" or "The forest's final revenge is whisper-thin," e.g.? FLAKEWITHAFORKDinner guest who refuses to use chopsticks and probably won't show up? BRUSHWITHSAUCEDental advice from Lea & Perrins? EARCANALARCANASecrets known only to E.N.T.s? LASTINBLASTINGLike the world's worst demolition company? AHARDDAYSNIGHT1964 Richard Lester film featuring The Beatles THECORNISGREEN1938 semi-autobiographical play by Emlyn Williams DOUBLENEGATIVEPessimistic after large drink, producing bad grammar CAULIFLOWEREARVegetable lying next to organ causes an injury ITSNOTTHATHARD"Why must you overcomplicate everything?," or what can be said about 16-, 24-, 49-, and 58-Across