The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word DOWRY
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
D
O
W
R
Y
More clues leading to the result DOWRY
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "the cost of the partnership?" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case the cost of the partnership? = dowry.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does DOWRY mean?
DOWRY noun- Payment, such as property or money, paid by the bride's family to the groom or his family at the time of marriage.
- Payment by the groom or his family to the bride's family: bride price.
- Dower.
- A natural gift or talent.
- To bestow a dowry upon.