Crossword Genius

Bread machine given to East German (Max) (2,4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

at most

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'max' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'bread machine given to east german' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'machine' could be 'atm' (ATM is an example) and 'atm' is found within the answer.
'east german' could be 'ost' ('east' in German) and 'ost' is located in the answer.
This accounts for all the letters.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for at most that I've seen before include "Max?" , "Maximum possible" , "Top whack!" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sunday Times and The Times.
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