On the way, always keep out of the ditch! (5)
I believe the answer is:
steer
'keep out of the ditch' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't see how one could define the other.
'on the way always' is the wordplay.
'on' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'the way' becomes 'st' (abbreviation for street).
'always' becomes 'eer' (poetic way of saying ever).
'st' put next to 'eer' is 'STEER'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for steer that I've seen before include "Manoeuvre" , "give guidance" , "Pilot a boat in desired direction" , "farm animal" , "member of herd" .)