Crossword Genius

Honesty of Rob overwhelmed by compassion (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

probity

'honesty' is the definition.
(probity is a kind of honesty)

'rob overwhelmed by compassion' is the wordplay.
'overwhelmed by' is an insertion indicator (I've seen this in other clues).
'compassion' becomes 'pity' (pity is a kind of compassion).
'rob' inserted within 'pity' is 'PROBITY'.

'of' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for probity that I've seen before include "uprightness" , "integrity's demanded" , "Honesty, decency" , "Integrity" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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