AUDITORYCANALS

CUTMESOMESLACK"Sheesh, no need to be so strict!" FOURMINUTEMILEMmmmm … sporting achievement that was hard to surpass (4-6,4) NIGERIANPRINCECriminal reining in caper scamming royal family member? (8,6) FLAKEWITHAFORKDinner guest who refuses to use chopsticks and probably won't show up? PAPERCUTAPERCU"A sharp edge recalls a splinter's bite" or "The forest's final revenge is whisper-thin," e.g.? BRUSHWITHSAUCEDental advice from Lea & Perrins? EARCANALARCANASecrets known only to E.N.T.s? LASTINBLASTINGLike the world's worst demolition company? ELICITFELICITYSpark joy? THECORNISGREEN1938 semi-autobiographical play by Emlyn Williams AHARDDAYSNIGHT1964 Richard Lester film featuring The Beatles 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