Crossword Genius

Could this be used to damage the reputation of a person working in the station? On your bike! (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

mudguard

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'could this be used to damage the reputation of a' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot see how they can define each other.

'person working in the station? on your bike' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'person' could be 'guard' (guard is a kind of person) and 'guard' is found in the answer.
The remaining letters 'mud' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for mudguard that I've seen before include "Protection for a wheel" , "Spray catcher on cycle" , "Curved structure over a wheel" , "Cycle spray protector" , "Protective cover above cycle wheel" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app