Crossword Genius

My fees are high; that's unfortunate (4,2)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

dear me

'my' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'fees are high that's unfortunate' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
an anagram of 'are' is 'ear' which is within the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

(Other definitions for dear me that I've seen before include "Mild expression of distress from expensive self" , "how sad" , "Expression of mild regret from precious self" , "how distressing!" , "What a pity" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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