off the track

1. Away from one's objective, train of thought, or a sequence of events, It is often put as, as in Your question has gotten me off the track, or The interruption threw Mom off the track and she forgot what she'd already put into the stew. This term comes from railroading, where it means “derailed.” Its figurative use was first recorded in 1875.

Example Sentences

Kawano was able to complete the race and receive the adoration of his home support on his closing lap of the track, but there was concern for the 26-year-old after he collapsed to the ground upon crossing the finish line and had to be assisted off the track in a wheelchair.

From BBC

Any one of our top four runners — senior Colin Sahlman, who had a laid-back surfer personality and an explosive closing kick; his younger brother Aaron, a junior with huge potential but inconsistent; and twin juniors Lex and Leo Young, the younger brothers of a national champion, who had become stars on and off the track because of their speed and social media presence — could have been the best runner on any other team in the country.

From Los Angeles Times

Leclerc accused Russell of moving under braking, Russell accused Leclerc of overtaking by going off the track on the inside, and stewards will investigate the incident after the race.

From BBC

Alex Albon's Williams was fifth fastest, ahead of Max Verstappen's Red Bull and Mercedes' George Russell, whose team-mate Kimi Antonelli missed most of the session after sliding off the track at Turn Nine and causing a red flag early on.

From BBC

Now 25 years old and one of the fastest real-life drivers in the world, he believes it benefits him off the track too.

From BBC