BALLOONPAYMENT

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) ELICITFELICITYSpark joy? LASTINBLASTINGLike the world's worst demolition company? BRUSHWITHSAUCEDental advice from Lea & Perrins? PAPERCUTAPERCU"A sharp edge recalls a splinter's bite" or "The forest's final revenge is whisper-thin," e.g.? EARCANALARCANASecrets known only to E.N.T.s? FLAKEWITHAFORKDinner guest who refuses to use chopsticks and probably won't show up? 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