What does the cryptic crossword clue "Idle dates not showing up perhaps (9)" mean?

The definition is "Idle". The wordplay uses a deletion. FRUIT (synonym="FRUIT") + LESS (synonym="dates not showing up perhaps") = FRUITLESS; definition: "Idle" The answer is FRUITLESS.

Idle dates not showing up perhaps (9)

Times Cryptic #28604 | 8 Down | 2023-05-16 flower

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