PRELUDETOAKISS

FOURMINUTEMILEMmmmm … sporting achievement that was hard to surpass (4-6,4) CUTMESOMESLACK"Sheesh, no need to be so strict!" NIGERIANPRINCECriminal reining in caper scamming royal family member? (8,6) 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? EARCANALARCANASecrets known only to E.N.T.s? PAPERCUTAPERCU"A sharp edge recalls a splinter's bite" or "The forest's final revenge is whisper-thin," e.g.? ELICITFELICITYSpark joy? 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