Possible Clues:

• Become discolored, as silverware
• Dull sailor is in new hotel
• Sully, as a reputation
• Stain or discolour
• Damage, as a reputation
• Damage, as one's reputation
• Stain, perhaps reputation
• Cause to lose lustre, silver or reputation
• Stain, metal or reputation
• Might this spoil the surface, a bit like a little lake?