RAISETHESTAKES

CUTMESOMESLACK"Sheesh, no need to be so strict!" FOURMINUTEMILEMmmmm … sporting achievement that was hard to surpass (4-6,4) NIGERIANPRINCECriminal reining in caper scamming royal family member? (8,6) EARCANALARCANASecrets known only to E.N.T.s? FLAKEWITHAFORKDinner guest who refuses to use chopsticks and probably won't show up? BRUSHWITHSAUCEDental advice from Lea & Perrins? ELICITFELICITYSpark joy? LASTINBLASTINGLike the world's worst demolition company? PAPERCUTAPERCU"A sharp edge recalls a splinter's bite" or "The forest's final revenge is whisper-thin," e.g.? THECORNISGREEN1938 semi-autobiographical play by Emlyn Williams AHARDDAYSNIGHT1964 Richard Lester film featuring The Beatles CAULIFLOWEREARVegetable lying next to organ causes an injury DOUBLENEGATIVEPessimistic after large drink, producing bad grammar VERBALCONTRACTFlimsy agreement making abuse shrink