Looked for a free ride as difficulty increased (5-5)

I believe the answer is:

hitch-hiked

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'looked for a free ride' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'difficulty increased' is the wordplay.
'difficulty' becomes 'hitch' (hitch is a kind of difficulty).
'increased' becomes 'hiked' (I've seen this in another clue).
'hitch'+'hiked'='HITCH-HIKED'

'as' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.

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