CRUCIVERBALIST

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!" 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.? LASTINBLASTINGLike the world's worst demolition company? FLAKEWITHAFORKDinner guest who refuses to use chopsticks and probably won't show up? EARCANALARCANASecrets known only to E.N.T.s? ELICITFELICITYSpark joy? THECORNISGREEN1938 semi-autobiographical play by Emlyn Williams AHARDDAYSNIGHT1964 Richard Lester film featuring The Beatles CAULIFLOWEREARVegetable lying next to organ causes an injury DOUBLENEGATIVEPessimistic after large drink, producing bad grammar ITSNOTTHATHARD"Why must you overcomplicate everything?," or what can be said about 16-, 24-, 49-, and 58-Across