The smallest should take some of the blame, as lie stinks (9)

I believe the answer is:

measliest

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'the smallest should take' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'of the blame as lie stinks' is the wordplay.
'of' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue.
'MEASLIEST' is hidden in the letters of 'blame as lie stinks'.

'some' is the link.

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I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.

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