Crossword Genius

Not talking about abandoning book is slander! (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

mud

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'is slander' is the definition.
(as in to drag someone's name through the mud)

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for mud that I've seen before include "Offensive remarks" , "Water-soaked soil" , "Mire" , "Earth and water mixed" , "Clay" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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