Crossword Genius

A model lives in the present state (2,2,2)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

as it is

'in the present state' is the definition.
(as things currently are)

'a model lives' is the wordplay.
'model' becomes 'sit' (e.g. for a painting).
'lives' becomes 'is' ('be' can be a synonym of 'live').
'a'+'sit'+'is'='AS IT IS'

(Other definitions for as it is that I've seen before include "In the current state of affairs" , "In current circumstances, the way things are" , "true to life" , "In the present circumstances" , "Given the position, in the circumstances" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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