Relied on working without eastern loafer (5)

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 how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for idler that I've seen before include "Someone unemployed" , "Wastrel; The ---, Dr Johnson essays" , "Slacker" , "One resting" , "Lollard" .)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror.

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