Relied on having spare time (5)

I believe the answer is:

leant

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'relied on' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'spare time' is the wordplay.
'spare' becomes 'lean' (similar in meaning).
'time' becomes 't' (abbreviation).
'lean'+'t'='LEANT'

'having' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for leant that I've seen before include "Tilted" , "pressed on" , "Inclined (towards)" , "Tipped" , "Relied (on); inclined" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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