Expression: on this side idolatry

[Haihao]

Hi,

Could you please help me with:

[Mister Micawber]

.
No-- Eglinton is saying that he very much admires (almost to a state of idolatry-- this is hyperbole, of course) the character, Hamlet (rather than Shakespeare, I think). On this side (of) = almost; not quite.
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_________________
Canadian-American native speaker
who teaches English for a living at Mister Micawber's
ESL cafe: Interview with Mr. Micawber