Reluctant to say hello at Harriet's party (5)

I believe the answer is:

loath

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

'reluctant' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'say hello at harriet's party' is the wordplay.
'LOATH' is hidden in amongst the letters.
But, I am not sure how this is indicated.

'to' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for loath that I've seen before include "Unwilling" , "Dislike intensely" , "Reluctant or averse" , "Hateful" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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