What does the cryptic crossword clue "Protracted answer leads to a more advanced state (5)" mean?

The definition is "to a more advanced state". The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). A (synonym="answer") + LONG (synonym="protracted") = ALONG The answer is ALONG.

Protracted answer leads to a more advanced state (5)

Times Cryptic #29009 | 7 Down | 2024-08-30 flower

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