Crossword Genius

Wicked, terrible lie about Victor (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

evil

'wicked' is the definition.
(associated in meaning)

'terrible lie about victor' is the wordplay.
'terrible' indicates an anagram.
'about' is an insertion indicator.
'victor' becomes 'v' (phonetic alphabet: alpha, bravo, charlie etc.).
'lie' anagrammed gives 'eil'.
'eil' placed around 'v' is 'EVIL'.

(Other definitions for evil that I've seen before include "Extremely bad" , "source of harm" , "Morally objectionable behavior" , "Live badly for badness" , "Maleficent" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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