I used to go on ahead, but took it easy (5)
I believe the answer is:
idled
'took it easy' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
I don't understand the remainder of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for idled that I've seen before include "not worked" , "sat back" , "was unoccupied" , "pottered" , "(Of an engine) ran slowly out of gear" .)