sidetrack
|side/track|
/ˈsaɪdˌtræk/
divert from main path
Etymology
'sidetrack' originates from the combination of 'side' and 'track', where 'side' meant 'secondary' and 'track' referred to a 'path or course'.
'sidetrack' evolved from the literal use of a secondary railway track to its metaphorical use in modern English.
Initially, it referred to a literal secondary track, but over time it evolved to mean diverting attention or focus.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a secondary or less important path or track, often used metaphorically.
The project took a sidetrack due to unforeseen issues.
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Verb 1
to divert or distract someone from their main objective or task.
The conversation sidetracked him from his work.
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Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:39