sidetracks
|side/tracks|
/ˈsaɪdˌtræks/
(sidetrack)
divert from main path
Etymology
'sidetrack' originates from the combination of 'side' and 'track', where 'side' meant 'beside' and 'track' referred to a path or course.
'sidetrack' evolved from the literal meaning of a secondary railway track to its figurative use in the 20th century.
Initially, it meant 'a secondary railway track', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to divert or distract'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a secondary track or path, often used for trains to pass or be stored.
The train was moved to the sidetrack to allow the express to pass.
Synonyms
Verb 1
to divert or distract from the main subject or course.
The conversation was sidetracked by an unexpected question.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/03/05 13:57