It implies that the task or situation was comfortable and didn't require much work or stress.
Here are some examples of how you might use it:
* "I made a fortune selling my artwork online, I practically made it in the shade!"
* "My brother got the job without even trying, he just made it in the shade!"
* "She finished the marathon with a smile on her face, it seems she made it in the shade."
It's worth noting that the phrase is often used in a humorous or sarcastic way, particularly when someone is implying that someone else got lucky or didn't deserve their success.