It’s too expensive, darling (4)

I believe the answer is:

dear

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'darling' is the definition.
('dear' can be a synonym of 'darling')

I can't explain the remainder of the clue.

(Other definitions for dear that I've seen before include "Beloved - expensive" , "letter opener" , "Expensive - address" , "address for partner" , "Overpriced" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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