sidetrack

[sahyd-trak]

verb (used with or without object)

1. to move or distract from the main subject or course.

2. to move from the main track to a siding, as a train.

noun

1. any railroad track, other than a siding, that is auxiliary to the main track.

2. a path, position, project, topic, etc., of less importance than the main one.

   On a sidetrack to this thread on workplace safety, let me just say a little about office footwear.

sidetrack

/ ˈsaɪdˌtræk /

verb

1. to distract or be distracted from a main subject or topic

noun

1. a railway siding

2. the act or an instance of sidetracking; digression

Word History and Origins

Origin of sidetrack¹

An Americanism dating back to 1825–35; side ¹ + track

Example Sentences

"My ambition was not to be a music photographer, my ambition was to be a war photographer - but I got a sidetracked in a great way," he says.

From BBC

But now, that focus isn’t being sidetracked by worries about his body, or limitations to his “bowl.”

From Los Angeles Times

“He had the ambition and the drive to do something great and not get sidetracked or settle for less,” says Campbell.

From Los Angeles Times

"I suppose you don't want to get overly emotional and make it too big a thing and get sidetracked from the main objective," Doris said of the legendary trio's home swansong.

From BBC

And while he’s searching for a show in his questions, sometimes he gets sidetracked with sparks of genuine interest.

From Los Angeles Times