The way things used to be? (4)

I believe the answer is:

then

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'used to be?' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'the way' is the wordplay.
'way' becomes 'n' (Compass direction - North).
'the'+'n'='THEN'

'things' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for then that I've seen before include "Consequently" , "Afterwards - as a result" , "Once upon a time" , "soon?" , "Subsequently - previously" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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