Merely wastelands one may fairly expect to get (4,7)

I believe the answer is:

just deserts

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'one may fairly expect to get' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'merely wastelands' is the wordplay.
'merely' becomes 'just' (synonyms).
'wastelands' becomes 'deserts' (I've seen this in another clue).
'just'+'deserts'='JUST DESERTS'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for just deserts that I've seen before include "Fair fate - rightful reward" , "Fate or results one deserves" , "What one has coming" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Independent.

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