Relied on performing without English dreamer (5)
I believe the answer is:
idler
'dreamer' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe you can see an association between them that I don't see?
I can't explain the rest of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for idler that I've seen before include "Drone" , "Layabout; ship crewman not on watch" , "Slacker" , "comparatively shoddy?" , "stationary car perhaps?" .)