at the very least

1. At or of the lowest amount possible; at the absolute minimum. Often indicates the belief that a greater amount is likely or should be considered. I know you don't have much money, but you should pay for your own dinner at the very least. The contractor said the repair work would cost $900 at the very least. Why are you in a t-shirt and jeans? Come on, we're going to a nice restaurant, so you need to wear a dress shirt and tie at the very least.

2. In any event; regardless; despite what else may have happened or is the case. I know you aren't interested in seeing this play, but at the very least we'll have a nice night out on the town. I know you don't see eye to eye with your father, but he's trying to maintain a relationship with you at the very least. A: "I heard that Mike can't go away with Trish after all." B: "Oh, that's a shame. Well, at the very least, Trish will have her dog to keep her company on the trip."