Crossword Genius

Prepared a little bit, ultimately only to protect that place (2,3,5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

at the ready

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

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

'a little bit ultimately only to protect that place' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'a' is found in the answer.
'that place' could be 'there' (as opposed to 'here' meaning this place) and 'there' is found within the answer.
'little' could be 'tad' (both can mean a small amount) and 'tad' is located in the leftover letters.
A single letter 'y' remains which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for at the ready that I've seen before include "Prepared or available for immediate use" , "Available for use in operating" , "Poised for action" , "Prepared for instant action" , "dipping hand in till?" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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