The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word NEXT-DOOR
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
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More clues leading to the result NEXT-DOOR
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Alongside" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case alongside = next-door.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does NEXT-DOOR mean?
NEXT-DOOR adverb- In an adjacent building, room or place.
- That occupies an adjacent place, especially the building immediately to the left or right.