sidetrack

Noun

 * 1)  A second, relatively short length of track just to the side of a railroad track, joined to the main track by switches at one or both ends, used either for unloading freight, or to allow two trains on a same track to meet (opposite directions) or pass (same direction); a railroad siding.
 * 2) (sometimes) Any auxiliary railroad track, as differentiated from a siding, that runs adjacent to the main track.
 * 3)  A smaller tunnel or well drilled as an auxiliary off a main tunnel or well.
 * 4) An alternate train of thought, issue, topic, or activity, that is a deviation or distraction from the topic at hand or central activity, and secondary or subordinate in importance or effectiveness.
 * Stay focused on the story; you keep getting lost in all of these little sidetracks.

Synonyms

 * railroad siding, siding, lay-by

Verb

 * 1)  To divert (a locomotive or train) on to a lesser used track in order to allow other trains to pass.
 * 2) To divert or distract (someone) from a main issue or course of action with an alternate or less relevant topic or activity; or, to use deliberate trickery or sly wordplay when talking to (a person) in order to avoid discussion of a subject.
 * Sorry I'm late. I got sidetracked helping my friend move some furniture.
 * The politician sidetracked the reporter with a story about duck hunting instead of a direct response to the question that was asked.
 * I hope you can sidetrack the teacher with questions so we don't have to take the exam.
 * 1) To sideline; to push aside; to divert or distract from, reducing (something) to a secondary or subordinate position.
 * The project was sidetracked in favor of a more popular program.
 * He has sidetracked this debate for far too long.
 * 1)  To deviate briefly from the topic at hand.
 * Just to sidetrack a little bit from the subject I will explain my reasoning.
 * To sidetrack for a moment, let me commend this team for their outstanding efforts.
 * Just to sidetrack a little bit from the subject I will explain my reasoning.
 * To sidetrack for a moment, let me commend this team for their outstanding efforts.

Translations

 * Maori: whakakotiti, wawao
 * Russian:
 * Serbo-Croatian:, skretati s puta, voditi na stranputicu, skrenuti s puta