When in trouble, first subtly seek gestures of affection (9,6)

I believe the answer is:

butterfly kisses

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'gestures of affection' is the definition.
I know nothing about this answer so I can't judge whether this works.

'when in trouble first subtly seek' is the wordplay.
'when in trouble' is an anagram indicator.
'first'+'subtly'+'seek'='firstsubtlyseek'
'firstsubtlyseek' anagrammed gives 'BUTTERFLY KISSES'.

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.

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