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Nevertheless, without protection, Steven's out (4,2)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

even so

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

'nevertheless' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'without protection steven's out' is the wordplay.
'EVEN SO' is hidden within the letters.
However, I'm uncertain how the hidden word is indicated.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for even so that I've seen before include "'Despite, still (4,2)'" , "in any event" , "Just the same, though that may be the case" , "anyway" , "'In spite of that (4,2)'" .)

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