Cryptic crossword clue
Remain close when protecting old group hiding away 9

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word CLOSETING

I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
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Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "hiding away" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case hiding away = closeting.
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 CLOSETING mean?

CLOSETING verb
  1. To shut away for private discussion.
  2. To put into a private place for a secret interview or interrogation.
  3. To shut up in, or as in, a closet for concealment or confinement.
CLOSETING noun
  1. A private conference or interview.

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