Lived up to wicked image (5)
I believe the answer is:
devil
'wicked image' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to communication as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'lived up' is the wordplay.
'up' says the letters should be written backwards (in down clue: letters go upwards).
'lived' reversed gives 'DEVIL'.
'to' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for devil that I've seen before include "Wicked person" , "Wicked spirit" , "Beast" , "Archfiend" , "Old Nick, Satan" .)