sidetrack

American  

[sahyd-trak] / ˈsaɪdˌtræk /

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.

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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 British  

/ ˈsaɪdˌtræk /

verb

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

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noun

1. a railway siding

2. the act or an instance of sidetracking; digression

Etymology

Origin of sidetrack

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

Explanation

To sidetrack is to veer off a straight path, or to cause something (or someone) to do so. The smell of a rabbit in the woods might sidetrack your dog from coming when you call him. In addition to literally wandering off course, sidetrack can also be used figuratively, when someone gets distracted from a task or focus, like when your text messages sidetrack you from finishing your homework. You can sidetrack a conversation, too, by controlling it and steering it in a new direction: "She always sidetracks the conversation so we end up talking about television."

Example Sentences

When Devi tries to sidetrack Dr. Ryan, she pivots the conversation.

From Salon • Jun. 19, 2023

A chorus of economists, including Larry Summers, the former Treasury secretary, say the banking sector instability should not sidetrack the Fed in its inflation-fighting campaign.

From New York Times • Mar. 21, 2023

Georgieva told a conference in Washington that policymakers should adopt targeted measures to alleviate rising food and fuel prices, while avoiding steps that could fuel inflation or sidetrack monetary policy.

From Reuters • Nov. 10, 2022

After ticking through many of the provisions in the law, including $1,400 stimulus checks that will go to many Americans, the president added a caveat, noting that various factors could sidetrack the recovery effort.

From Washington Post • Mar. 12, 2021

I led my army northward, rarely having to sidetrack; the emperor himself sent the enemies I was hunting chasing after me.

From "The Woman Warrior" by Maxine Hong Kingston