Crossword Genius

Eleven on the shelf? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

aside

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'eleven on the shelf?' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot see how they can define each other.

'eleven on the shelf?' is the wordplay.
'eleven' becomes 'side' (I've seen this in other clues).
'on' says to put letters next to each other.
'the shelf?' becomes 'a' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'side' put after 'a' is 'ASIDE'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for aside that I've seen before include "In reserve; actor's remark to audience" , "(Pushed) out of the way" , "Quiet words spoken" , "secretly" , "Separately" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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