GRADEINFLATION

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!" 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? EARCANALARCANASecrets known only to E.N.T.s? ELICITFELICITYSpark joy? BRUSHWITHSAUCEDental advice from Lea & Perrins? FLAKEWITHAFORKDinner guest who refuses to use chopsticks and probably won't show up? AHARDDAYSNIGHT1964 Richard Lester film featuring The Beatles THECORNISGREEN1938 semi-autobiographical play by Emlyn Williams CAULIFLOWEREARVegetable lying next to organ causes an injury DOUBLENEGATIVEPessimistic after large drink, producing bad grammar VERBALCONTRACTFlimsy agreement making abuse shrink