Crossword Genius

Hang back, seeing monster set out without payment (4,4,4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

drag one's feet

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

'hang back' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'monster set out without payment' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'monster' could be 'dragon' (dragon is a kind of monster) and 'dragon' is found in the answer.
'payment' could be 'fee' (payment for a job) and 'fee' is found within the answer.
an anagram of 'set' is 'est' which is within the remaining letters.
This accounts for all the letters.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'seeing' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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