What does at the very least mean?

[Massab]

English Language Proficiency Tests, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #694 "Prepositional Phrases - At, By, For and To (5)", question 5

You could have told me where you were going, ......... the very least. I was so worried about you. I am your mother and I want to know what's going on at all times.

(a) at
(b) for
(c) by
(d) to

English Language Proficiency Tests, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #694 "Prepositional Phrases - At, By, For and To (5)", answer 5

You could have told me where you were going, at the very least. I was so worried about you. I am your mother and I want to know what's going on at all times.

Correct answer: (a) at

Your answer was: correct
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What does at the very least mean?

[Alan]

Hi,

In the test sentence 'at the very least' suggests that is the smallest thing you could have told me. In other words I would have expected even that small piece of information.

Alan
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English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Present Simple