Sidetrack: meaning, definitions and examples

🚉

Add to dictionary

sidetrack

[ ˈsaɪdˌtræk ]

^{Context #1}

in conversation

To distract someone from the main topic of discussion or activity.

Synonyms

deviate, distract, divert

Examples of usage

She tried to sidetrack me with irrelevant questions during the meeting.
Don't let him sidetrack you from your goals.

^{Context #2}

in a literal sense

A track or pathway that branches off from the main track.

Synonyms

branch line, siding, spur

Examples of usage

The sidetrack led to a small village in the mountains.
The train was switched onto a sidetrack to let another pass.

Translations

Translations of the word "sidetrack" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desviar

🇮🇳 भटकाना

🇩🇪 ablenken

🇮🇩 mengalihkan

🇺🇦 відволікати

🇵🇱 odciągać

🇯🇵 脇道にそれる

🇫🇷 détourner

🇪🇸 desviar

🇹🇷 dikkatini dağıtmak

🇰🇷 옆길로 새다

🇸🇦 تحويل

🇨🇿 odvést

🇸🇰 odkloniť

🇨🇳 转移

🇸🇮 preusmeriti

🇮🇸 víkja af leið

🇰🇿 бағытынан тайдыру

🇬🇪 გადახვევა

🇦🇿 yayındırmaq

🇲🇽 desviar

Word origin

The word 'sidetrack' originated in the 19th century, combining 'side' and 'track'. It was initially used in the context of railroads to refer to a secondary track branching off from the main track. Over time, the word evolved to also have a metaphorical meaning, referring to being diverted or distracted from the main focus or activity.