Crossword Genius

Short time with one male friend -- taking least time possible? (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

minimally

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

'short time with one male friend taking least time possible?' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'short time with one male friend' is the wordplay.
'short time' becomes 'min' (I am not sure about the 'short' bit.**).
'with' says to put letters next to each other.
'one' becomes 'i' (Roman numeral).
'male' becomes 'm' (common abbreviation).
'friend' becomes 'ally' (I've seen this before).
'min'+'i'+'m'+'ally'='MINIMALLY'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for minimally that I've seen before include "To the smallest degree" , "Imperceptibly" , "Almost negligibly" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app