Afterwards taking friend to one side (9)

I believe the answer is:

laterally

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'to one side' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'afterwards taking friend' is the wordplay.
'afterwards' becomes 'later' (synonyms).
'taking' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'friend' becomes 'ally' (an ally is a friend or supporter).
'later'+'ally'='LATERALLY'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for laterally that I've seen before include "Approaching the side" , "Sideways" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.

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