Crossword Genius

Mere rhetoric, in a manner of speaking, from Free and The Script (5,5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

empty words

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'mere rhetoric' is the definition.
'empty words' can be an answer for 'rhetoric' (synonyms). I am not certain of the 'mere' bit.

I don't understand the rest of the clue.

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I've seen this clue in the Irish Times (Crosaire) and The Irish Times.
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