Crossword Genius

Disreputable person is great socially, from time to time (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

rascal

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'disreputable person' is the definition.
'rascal' can be an answer for 'person' (rascal is a kind of person). I am not sure about the 'disreputable' bit.

'great socially from time to time' is the wordplay.
'from time to time' means one should take alternating letters (letters removed on a regular basis).
'great'+'socially'='greatsocially'
The alternating letters of 'greatsocially' are 'RASCAL'.

'is' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for rascal that I've seen before include "naughty child" , "Brat" , "Mischievous or cheeky child" , "A naughty chap or bold boy" , "not one to be admired" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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