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Sidetrack
//ˈsaɪdˌtɹæk// noun, verb
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A second, relatively short length of track just to the side of a railroad track, joined to the main track by switches at one or both ends, used either for unloading freight, or to allow two trains on a same track to meet (opposite directions) or pass (same direction); a railroad siding.
- 2 a short stretch of railroad track used to store rolling stock or enable trains on the same line to pass wordnet
- 3 Any auxiliary railroad track, as differentiated from a siding, that runs adjacent to the main track. sometimes
- 4 A smaller tunnel or well drilled as an auxiliary off a main tunnel or well.
- 5 An alternate train of thought, issue, topic, or activity, that is a deviation or distraction from the topic at hand or central activity, and secondary or subordinate in importance or effectiveness.
"Stay focused on the story; you keep getting lost in all of these little sidetracks."
Verb
- 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."
- 2 wander from a direct or straight course wordnet
- 3 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."
- 4 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."
- 5 To deviate briefly from the topic at hand. intransitive
"Just to sidetrack a little bit from the subject I will explain my reasoning."
Etymology
Etymology 1
From side + track.
Etymology 2
From side + track.
See also for "sidetrack"
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