Crossword Genius

Attending the smallest, whatever happens (2,3,5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

at the least

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'whatever happens' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'attending the smallest' is the wordplay.
'attending' becomes 'at' (I've seen this in other clues).
'smallest' becomes 'least' (synonyms).
'at'+'the'+'least'='AT THE LEAST'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for at the least that I've seen is " come what may".)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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