OBSERVATIONCAR

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!" BRUSHWITHSAUCEDental advice from Lea & Perrins? LASTINBLASTINGLike the world's worst demolition company? EARCANALARCANASecrets known only to E.N.T.s? ELICITFELICITYSpark joy? 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.? 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 ITSNOTTHATHARD"Why must you overcomplicate everything?," or what can be said about 16-, 24-, 49-, and 58-Across