What does the cryptic crossword clue "Next to calm host when starters don't appear (6)" mean?

The definition is "Next to". The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). ALM (synonym="ALM") + OST (synonym="OST") = ALMOST; definition: "Next to" The answer is ALMOST.

Next to calm host when starters don't appear (6)

Times Cryptic #28628 | 6 Across | 2023-06-13 flower

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