Crossword Genius

Not even the cat fails to eat what's left in the pot (3,6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tea leaves

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

'eat what's left in the pot' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'not even the cat fails' is the wordplay.
'not even' means one should take alternating letters (remove even-numbered letters).
'fails' becomes 'leaves' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'the'+'cat'='thecat'
The alternating letters of 'thecat' are 'tea'.
'tea'+'leaves'='TEA-LEAVES'

'to' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for tea leaves that I've seen before include "Magpies" , "Source of drink" , "Thieves" , "found among the dregs" .)

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