What does the cryptic crossword clue "One nearest almost slack, very close to death (2,8)" mean?

The definition is "very close to death". The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). I (synonym="one") + NEXT (synonym="nearest") + REMIS (synonym="REMIS") = IN EXTREMIS; definition: "very close to death" The answer is IN EXTREMIS.

One nearest almost slack, very close to death (2,8)

Times Cryptic #28766 | 26 Across | 2023-11-21 flower

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