CHARACTERISTIC

LASTINBLASTINGLike the world's worst demolition company? EARCANALARCANASecrets known only to E.N.T.s? BRUSHWITHSAUCEDental advice from Lea & Perrins? 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? 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 VERBALCONTRACTFlimsy agreement making abuse shrink TOAGREATEXTENTLargely reaching wonderful range ITSNOTTHATHARD"Why must you overcomplicate everything?," or what can be said about 16-, 24-, 49-, and 58-Across MARTINSCORSESEAmerican director who won the 1976 Palme dOr at Cannes for Taxi Driver: 2 wds.