Crossword Genius

The old man’s at half pace again (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

papa

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'the old man's' is the definition.
('papa' can be a synonym of 'old man')

'at half pace again' is the wordplay.
'at' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'half' indicates taking half.
'again' becomes 'pa' (I can't justify this - if you can you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'pace' cut in half is 'pa'.
'pa' put next to 'pa' is 'PAPA'.

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(Other definitions for papa that I've seen before include "Mama's other half?" , "Comms code for 'P'" , "Pop" , "The old man" , "Father; P (radio comms.)" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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