jump the track

Idioms  

1. Suddenly switch from one thought or activity to another. For example, Joe was describing his trip to Australia and, jumping the track, began complaining about the airline, or They couldn't decide on the next step and now the whole reorganization plan has jumped the track. This expression alludes to a train going off the rails. [Colloquial; early 1900s]

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Example Sentences

Brissett has settled in after an emotional, shaky opener at Carolina, an outing that had Browns fans worried this season might jump the track.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 23, 2022

Then when we jump the track and try to be more independent, more purist, less tied to the establishment, we start getting our propane gas turned off.

From Salon • Sep. 30, 2012

I bow humbly to your practiced use of almost an industrial idiom, but, never did I expect you to jump the track when confronted with a commuter electric line like the C.A.

From Time Magazine Archive

It managed to jump the track in the campaign of '96, leaving four distinguished Democratic speakers, fizzing with oratory, in the cornfields, and ruining the only rally the Dems attempted to pull off.

From Homeburg Memories by Fitch, George

I did think you might jump the track once in a while, though.

From I Walked in Arden by Crawford, Jack