Crossword Genius

Subtract end of the journey but this its first three (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

minus

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'three' is the definition.
Both the definition and answer are adjectives. Perhaps there's an association between them I don't understand?

I don't understand the remainder of the clue.

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(Other definitions for minus that I've seen before include "Lacking; negative" , "'Take away' sign" , "(Of temperature) below zero" , "Negative sign - negative thing" , "Less, without" .)

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