Crossword Genius

To a poet's side? (6,8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

mashed potatoes

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

'poet's side?' is the definition.
I don't know anything about this answer so I cannot tell whether this works.

'to a' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'to' is present in the answer.
'a' is present in the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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