sidetrack

views updated

side·track / ˈsīdˌtrak/ • v. [tr.] (usu. be/get sidetracked) 1. cause (someone) to be distracted from an immediate or important issue: he does not let himself get sidetracked by fads and trends. ∎  divert (a project or debate) away from a central issue or previously determined plan: the effort at reform has been sidetracked for years.2. direct (a train) into a branch line or siding. ∎  divert (a well or borehole) to reach a productive deposit or to avoid an obstruction.• n. a minor path or track. ∎  a railroad branch line or siding. ∎  a well or borehole that runs partly to one side of the original line of drilling.

More From encyclopedia.com