Crossword Genius

Did use thick substance and moved smoothly (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

glided

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

'moved smoothly' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'did use thick substance' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'substance' could be 'li' (Li is an example) and 'li' is found in the answer.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'and' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
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