sidetrack

noun sidetracks · side-track · side track

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.

Similar: railroad siding, siding, lay-by

verb sidetracks · sidetracking · sidetracked · side-track · side track

1. To divert (a locomotive or train) on to a lesser used track in order to allow other trains to pass. It was just after 5 p.m.; would the non-stop "Capitals Limited" come up next? It was due in at 5.30 and other trains are often side-tracked in its favour.
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.
3. 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.
4. intransitive To deviate briefly from the topic at hand. Just to sidetrack a little bit from the subject I will explain my reasoning.

   Similar: digress