The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word BLUDGING
B
L
U
D
G
I
N
G
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "What idlers are up to" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case what idlers are up to = bludging.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 BLUDGING mean?
BLUDGING verb- To live off the earnings of a prostitute.
- To not earn one's keep, to live off someone else or off welfare when one could be working.
- To avoid one's responsibilities; to leave it to others to perform duties that one is expected to perform.
- To do nothing, to be idle, especially when there is work to be done.
- To take some benefit and give nothing in return.