The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word COASTING
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
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Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "doing well with little effort" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case doing well with little effort = coasting.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does COASTING mean?
COASTING verb- To glide along without adding energy; to allow a vehicle to continue moving forward after disengaging the engine or ceasing to apply motive power.
- To sail along a coast.
- To make a minimal effort; to continue to do something in a routine way, without initiative or effort.
- To draw near to; to approach; to keep near, or by the side of.
- To sail by or near; to follow the coastline of.
- To conduct along a coast or river bank.
- To slide downhill; to slide on a sled upon snow or ice.
- The act of sailing along a coast, or from port to port.
- The act of an already moving vehicle rolling along without use of power for a short distance.