Crossword Genius

Hour being struck for close acquaintance (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

neighbour

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'acquaintance' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps you can see an association between them that I can't see?

'hour being struck for close' is the wordplay.
'hour being' can be anagrammed to 'NEIGHBOUR'.
But, I am not sure how this is indicated.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for neighbour that I've seen before include "Exist near" , "Person living close by" , "Fellow human" , "Someone in the street" , "Such a one might help out" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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