Crossword Genius

Quietly utter joke (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

prank

'joke' is the definition.
('prank' can be a synonym of 'joke')

'quietly utter' is the wordplay.
'quietly' becomes 'p' (p for piano and quiet).
'utter' becomes 'rank' ('rank' can be a synonym of 'utter').
'p'+'rank'='PRANK'

(Other definitions for prank that I've seen before include "Mischievous trick" , "Lark" , "High-spirited mischief" , "Mischievous act done for fun and amusement" , "(Amusing) trick" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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