Crossword Genius

What can open party or ball (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

doorknob

'what can open' is the definition.
(doorknobs open doors)

'party or ball' is the wordplay.
'party' becomes 'do' (do is a kind of party).
'ball' becomes 'knob' (I've seen this before).
'do'+'or'+'knob'='DOORKNOB'

(Other definitions for doorknob that I've seen before include "It may be turned to gain entrance" , "Turn it to gain entry" , "Handle for portal" , "Round handle" , "Latch opener" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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