DISCOURAGEMENT

FLAKEWITHAFORKDinner guest who refuses to use chopsticks and probably won't show up? EARCANALARCANASecrets known only to E.N.T.s? LASTINBLASTINGLike the world's worst demolition company? 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.? 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 TOAGREATEXTENTLargely reaching wonderful range ITSNOTTHATHARD"Why must you overcomplicate everything?," or what can be said about 16-, 24-, 49-, and 58-Across VERBALCONTRACTFlimsy agreement making abuse shrink DOWNINTHEMOUTHWhere dentist looks miserable (4,2,3,5)