Pity the new crossword editor at the Times. You don't generally associate the Thunderer with such frivolities as themes or pranks let alone themed pranks. Last year, though, April Fools' Day came on a Monday the day on which the Times prints the answer grid to a recent Saturday puzzle.
And since the puzzle of Monday 1 April and the puzzle of Saturday 23 March were designed to use completely different sets of clues to arrive at identical answer grids, this was a subtle, playful fooling which quietly resembled a printing error (the answer grid appearing right next to the puzzle, against time-honoured convention) or at the very least a missed opportunity for any solver who was stuck and hadn't glanced over to Solution No 25,430.
Because of a print production error we published the wrong Down clues for Times Crossword No 25,749 in the first edition (Apr 1). We apologise for this mistake. If you wish to be sent a copy of the correct grid please email crosswordeditor@thetimes.co.uk
22ac You're in trouble locallyafterautumn in Boston?Sounds like something you'd do on April Fool's Day! (4,3,2)
9d Section in top ranks' term for one orchestrating stunt (9)
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