Possible Clues:

• Relaxed with source of Johnson's essays?
• I had been in the lead, but didn't get a move on
• (Of an engine) ran slowly out of gear
• Whittled on the porch, say
• Loitered
• Sat rocking, say
• Didn't do a thing
• Sat at a red light, e.g.
• Now unemployed
• Didn't stay active