Drives off back around east with spy-in-waiting (7)
I believe the answer is:
sleeper
'spy-in-waiting' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.
'drives off back around east' is the wordplay.
'drives off' becomes 'repels' ('repel' can be a synonym of 'drive off').
'back' is a reversal indicator.
'around' indicates putting letters inside.
'east' becomes 'E' (synonyms).
'repels' backwards is 'sleper'.
'sleper' enclosing 'e' is 'SLEEPER'.
'with' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for sleeper that I've seen before include "Log laid under railway track, sounds somnolent" , "Inactive spy" , "Railbed block; railway car" , "Kipper" , "Brace to support rail on track" .)