Crossword Genius

Python endlessly getting lighter (5)

Ross

I think it could be either:

idler

palin

'lighter' is the definition.
('idle' can be similar in meaning to 'light')

'python endlessly getting' is the wordplay.
'python' becomes 'idle' (Eric Idle, member of Monty Python).
'endlessly' means to remove the last letter.
'getting' becomes 're' (I've seen this in other clues).
're' with its last letter taken off is 'r'.
'idle'+'r'='IDLER'

(Other definitions for idler that I've seen before include "Reluctant worker" , "Lazy type" , "Person who does no work" , "Dodger" , "papers" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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