Crossword Genius

Does he keep his distance? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

miles

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'distance?' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'does he keep his' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'he' could be 'les' and 'les' is located in the answer.
The remaining letters 'mi' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for miles that I've seen before include "Imperial units of length" , "'But I have promises to keep, and . . . . . to go before I sleep' (Frost)" , "a long way" , "Distance units" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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