Check containers on the way back (4)
I believe the answer is:
stop
'check' is the definition.
('stop' can be a synonym of 'check')
'containers on the way back' is the wordplay.
'containers' becomes 'pots' (pot is a kind of container).
'on the way back' shows that the letters should be reversed in order.
'pots' in reverse letter order is 'STOP'.
(Other definitions for stop that I've seen before include "port of call" , "Put an end to" , "Block; end; group of organ pipes" , "oboe, perhaps" , "Plug - organ knob - bus halt - period" .)