Crossword Genius

A neat tray prepared, if nothing else (2,3,4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

at any rate

'if nothing else' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'a neat tray prepared' is the wordplay.
'prepared' indicates anagramming the letters.
'neat'+'tray'='neattray'
'neattray' is an anagram of 'tanyrate'.
'a'+'tanyrate'='AT ANY RATE'

(Other definitions for at any rate that I've seen before include "Nevertheless" , "regardless of the cost?" , "Anyhow, anyway" , "Whatever may happen" , "regardless of the speed" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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