Prudence gives directions badly (10)
I believe the answer is:
discretion
'prudence' is the definition.
(I know that prudence can be written as discretion)
'directions badly' is the wordplay.
'badly' indicates an anagram (letters in the wrong order).
'directions' with letters rearranged gives 'DISCRETION'.
'gives' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for discretion that I've seen before include "Tactful quality" , "Freedom to decide on an action" , "Liberty to act at pleasure; prudence" , "The better part of valour" , "Diplomacy" .)