Crossword Genius

Loafer relied on working without energy (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

idler

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'loafer' is the definition.
(I know that loafer can be written as idler)

I don't understand the rest of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for idler that I've seen before include "Man off watch" , "Sluggard" , "One reluctant to work" , "Long doleful cry" , "Drone" .)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror.
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