Crossword Genius

Consoling words are twice as costly (4,4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

dear dear

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'consoling words' is the definition.

'twice as costly' is the wordplay.
'twice' shows that letters should be duplicated.
'as costly' becomes 'dear' (synonyms. I am not sure about the 'as' bit.).
'dear' doubled is 'DEAR DEAR'.

'are' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for dear dear that I've seen before include "Expression of dismay" , "That's a pity!" , "Too bad!" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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