STATEOFAFFAIRS

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.? BRUSHWITHSAUCEDental advice from Lea & Perrins? EARCANALARCANASecrets known only to E.N.T.s? ELICITFELICITYSpark joy? LASTINBLASTINGLike the world's worst demolition company? 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 TOAGREATEXTENTLargely reaching wonderful range ITSNOTTHATHARD"Why must you overcomplicate everything?," or what can be said about 16-, 24-, 49-, and 58-Across MARTINSCORSESEAmerican director who won the 1976 Palme dOr at Cannes for Taxi Driver: 2 wds.