Sidetrack
verb
To divert from the main subject or task.
His intense curiosity always causes him to sidetrack during the studies.
Often appears as...
- sidetrack from main topic
- easily sidetrack
verb
To cause someone or something to turn aside from a course, direction, or purpose.
She was determined not to be sidetracked by other issues.
Often appears as...
- sidetrack from purpose
- sidetrack from course
verb
To shift something or someone from one track to another.
The freight train was sidetracked to allow the express to pass.
Often appears as...
- sidetrack train
- sidetrack for passing
verb
To divert from the main subject or task.
His intense curiosity always causes him to sidetrack during the studies.
Often appears as...
- sidetrack from main topic
- easily sidetrack
verb
To cause someone or something to turn aside from a course, direction, or purpose.
She was determined not to be sidetracked by other issues.
Often appears as...
- sidetrack from purpose
- sidetrack from course
verb
To shift something or someone from one track to another.
The freight train was sidetracked to allow the express to pass.
Often appears as...
- sidetrack train
- sidetrack for passing
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Focus Shift
Use 'sidetrack' to describe losing focus on the main subject because of other interesting topics.
He often sidetracks into stories about his travels.
Pro Tip 2/3Intentional Shift
'Sidetrack' can suggest someone is deliberately changing the subject.
The politician tried to sidetrack the conversation from the scandal.
Pro Tip 3/3Temporary Detour
When 'sidetracked,' the subject is usually revisited after the brief diversion.
Our discussion was sidetracked by gossip, but we got back on topic quickly.
Compare with
branch offdeflectdetourdeviatedigressdistractibilitydivertstray
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Quote examples
Amy Morin
American Author
We all have vulnerabilities that can sidetrack us from reaching our goals. Recognize the times when you're most likely to give into temptation, and make it harder for a single moment of weakness to sabotage your best efforts.
Quote examples
Mike Simpson
American Politician
I have long believed these types of collaborative agreements are a far better approach to federal land management than the contentious battles that too often sidetrack proper resource management.
Quote examples
Catherine Hardwicke
American Director
Sometimes, you don't realize that something is actually a sidetrack for the story, or it takes the tension out of a scene.
Quote examples
Amy Morin
American Author
We all have vulnerabilities that can sidetrack us from reaching our goals. Recognize the times when you're most likely to give into temptation, and make it harder for a single moment of weakness to sabotage your best efforts.
Quote examples
Mike Simpson
American Politician
I have long believed these types of collaborative agreements are a far better approach to federal land management than the contentious battles that too often sidetrack proper resource management.
Quote examples
Catherine Hardwicke
American Director
Sometimes, you don't realize that something is actually a sidetrack for the story, or it takes the tension out of a scene.
Example 1 of 3
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