SIDETRACK • DICTIONARY ONE.COM • Definition of Sidetrack

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/sˈaɪdtrˌæk/ Listen

verb

Sidetrack v. t. (past & past part. sidetracked; pres. part. sidetracking)

(Railroads) To transfer to a siding from a main line of track.

Hence, fig., to divert or reduce to a position or condition that is relatively secondary or subordinate in activity, importance, effectiveness, or the like; to switch off; to turn aside, as from a purpose. (Colloq.) "Such a project was, in fact, sidetracked in favor of the census of school children."

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Etymology of 'Sidetrack'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

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"Sidetrack" Quotes from Famous Books

... service on a branch line previously devoted exclusively to carrying freight,[249] to restore a siding used principally by a particular plant but available generally as a public track, and to continue, even though not profitable by itself, a sidetrack[250] as well as the upkeep of a switch-track leading from its main line to industrial plants.[251] However, a statute requiring a railroad without indemnification to install switches on the application of owners of grain elevators ...

— The Constitution of the United States of America: Analysis and Interpretation • Edward Corwin