What does the cryptic crossword clue "A tense American with vague ambition, having nothing to do? (2,1,5,3)" mean?

The definition is "having nothing to do?". The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). A (from clue) + T (abbreviation="tense") + A (abbreviation="American") + LOOSE (synonym="vague") + END (synonym="ambition,") = ATALOOSEEND; definition: "having nothing to do?" The answer is ATALOOSEEND.

A tense American with vague ambition, having nothing to do? (2,1,5,3)

Daily Mail Cryptic #17131 | 19 Across | 2023-06-30 flower

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