Crossword Genius

Calming words at this time, and at that time (3,4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

now then

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'calming words' is the definition.
The definition and answer are not the same part of speech.

'this time and at that time' is the wordplay.
'this time' becomes 'now' (now is a kind of time).
'and' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'at that time' becomes 'then' (synonyms).
'now'+'then'='NOW THEN!'

'at' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for now then that I've seen before include "mild rebuke" , "expression of mild reproof" , "Interjection expressing rebuke" , "call for attention" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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