Does nothing much, and did less when contracted (5)
I believe the answer is:
idles
'does nothing' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
'did less when contracted' is the wordplay.
'contracted' indicates a hidden word.
'IDLES' can be found hidden inside 'did less when'.
'much and' is the link.
I am not very happy about this link. Some or all of it may be part of another bit of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for idles that I've seen before include "Of engine, just ticks over in neutral" , "Avoids working" , "Wastes time" , "Does little, just ticks over" , "Lazes around" .)