Lay off

IDLE

Think of a word that describes a machine or worker with nothing to do, often waiting for the next task. It can also mean inactive or unused, like a car left in the garage.

"Lay off" can mean to stop working or dismiss someone, but in crosswords, it often hints at a word meaning inactive or unemployed. Here, it’s a straightforward definition—"idle" fits perfectly as it describes something not in use or at rest. The clue plays on the double meaning of "lay off," steering you toward the answer without any hidden wordplay.