FRUITOFTHELOOM

CUTMESOMESLACK"Sheesh, no need to be so strict!" NIGERIANPRINCECriminal reining in caper scamming royal family member? (8,6) FOURMINUTEMILEMmmmm … sporting achievement that was hard to surpass (4-6,4) BRUSHWITHSAUCEDental advice from Lea & Perrins? ELICITFELICITYSpark joy? EARCANALARCANASecrets known only to E.N.T.s? FLAKEWITHAFORKDinner guest who refuses to use chopsticks and probably won't show up? 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? 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