Crossword Genius

Party contributing to our reputation (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

odour

'reputation' is the definition.
(odour can mean bad reputation)

'party contributing to our' is the wordplay.
'party' becomes 'do' (do can informally mean a party).
'contributing to' is an insertion indicator (inserted letters make a new contribution).
'do' placed inside 'our' is 'ODOUR'.

(Other definitions for odour that I've seen before include "Distinctive smell" , "pervasive quality" , "Smell, scent" , "Nasty smell" , "Aroma, smell" .)

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