Popular friend is about to blossom (2,3)

I believe the answer is:

in bud

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'about to blossom' is the definition.
I know nothing about this answer so I cannot judge whether it can be defined by this definition.

'popular friend' is the wordplay.
'popular' becomes 'in' ('in' can mean trendy).
'friend' becomes 'bud' (short for buddy).
'in'+'bud'='IN BUD'

'is' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for in bud that I've seen before include "Shooting" , "About to flower" , "immature" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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