sidetracking

Verb

sidetrack (third-person singular simple present sidetracks, present participle sidetracking, simple past and past participle sidetracked)

1. To divert (a locomotive or train) on to a lesser used track in order to allow other trains to pass.
   • It was just after 5 p.m.; would the non-stop "Capitals Limited" come up next? It was due in at 5.30 and other trains are often side-tracked in its favour.1951 January, R. A. H. Weight, “A Railway Recorder in Essex and Hertfordshire”, in Railway Magazine, page 46
2. To divert or distract (someone) from a main issue or course of action with an alternate or less relevant topic or activity; or, to use deliberate trickery or sly wordplay when talking to (a person) in order to avoid discussion of a subject.
   • Sorry I'm late. I got sidetracked helping my friend move some furniture.
3. To sideline; to push aside; to divert or distract from, reducing (something) to a secondary or subordinate position.
   • The project was sidetracked in favor of a more popular program.
4. (intransitive) To deviate briefly from the topic at hand.
   • Just to sidetrack a little bit from the subject I will explain my reasoning.

   Synonyms:

   digress

See all 8 meanings of sidetrack