Not the main way to transform a desert site (4,6)

I believe the answer is:

side street

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

'not the main way' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'transform a desert site' is the wordplay.
'transform' indicates an anagram.
'desert'+'site'='desertsite'
'desertsite' with letters rearranged gives 'SIDE STREET'.

'to' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for side street that I've seen before include "Minor thoroughfare" , "small way" .)

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

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