Crossword Genius

New function, outwardly the same, linked? (2,6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

in tandem

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'linked?' is the definition.
I know nothing about this answer so I can't tell whether this works.

'new function outwardly the same' is the wordplay.
'new' becomes 'n' (abbreviation as in New Testament NT).
'function' becomes 'tan' (tangent, mathematical function).
'outwardly' indicates putting letters inside (some letters go outside others).
'the same' becomes 'idem' (Latin for 'the same', used in citations).
'n'+'tan'='ntan'
'ntan' going inside 'idem' is 'IN TANDEM'.

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(Other definitions for in tandem that I've seen before include "Together (as a pair)" , "Together - as on a bicycle made for two" , "Manned it as twosome" , "Working together" , "One behind the other or alongside" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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