He gives a wry smile (5)
I believe the answer is:
miles
'he' is the definition.
'a wry smile' is the wordplay.
'a wry' is an anagram indicator (wry can mean twisted or distorted).
'smile' is an anagram of 'MILES'.
'gives' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for miles that I've seen before include "Distance units" , "Imperial units of length" , "'But I have promises to keep, and . . . . . to go before I sleep' (Frost)" , "a long way" .)