EMPIREOFTHESUN

FOURMINUTEMILEMmmmm … sporting achievement that was hard to surpass (4-6,4) NIGERIANPRINCECriminal reining in caper scamming royal family member? (8,6) CUTMESOMESLACK"Sheesh, no need to be so strict!" 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? ELICITFELICITYSpark joy? FLAKEWITHAFORKDinner guest who refuses to use chopsticks and probably won't show up? LASTINBLASTINGLike the world's worst demolition company? BRUSHWITHSAUCEDental advice from Lea & Perrins? AHARDDAYSNIGHT1964 Richard Lester film featuring The Beatles THECORNISGREEN1938 semi-autobiographical play by Emlyn Williams 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