side issues
Secondary discussion points
Side issues are matters that arise alongside the main topic but aren't central to it.
In debates, negotiations, or discussions, side issues can distract from the primary concern: Let's not get bogged down in side issues.
The term often carries a dismissive connotation—labeling something a side issue minimizes its importance relative to what the speaker considers the real point.
Concealment through misdirection
- misdirectionIntentional focus manipulation
- evasionsDeliberate avoidances of directness
- obfuscationDeliberate concealment through confusion
- pretextsOstensible justifications masking truth
subterfuge · decoys · feints · dodges · excuses · diversionary tactics · stalling · equivocation
Lines meeting curves once
- digressionsDepartures from main subject
- diversionsEntertainments or alternate routes
- detoursIndirect alternate routes
- asidesRemarks to audience only
rabbit holes · red herrings · noise · clutter · minutiae · trivia · irrelevancies · footnotes
Things in the way
- hindrancesThings that obstruct progress
- impedimentsThings that obstruct progress
- difficultiesProblems to overcome
- challengesDifficulties requiring effort
setbacks · problems · snags · hitches · barriers · delays · disruptions · entanglements
smokescreens
Concealment through misdirection
- misdirectionIntentional focus manipulation
- evasionsDeliberate avoidances of directness
- obfuscationDeliberate concealment through confusion
pretexts · subterfuge · decoys · feints · dodges · excuses · diversionary tactics · stalling · equivocation · sidestepping
tangents
Lines meeting curves once
- digressionsDepartures from main subject
- diversionsEntertainments or alternate routes
- detoursIndirect alternate routes
asides · rabbit holes · red herrings · noise · clutter · minutiae · trivia · irrelevancies · footnotes · offshoots
obstacles
Things in the way
- hindrancesThings that obstruct progress
- impedimentsThings that obstruct progress
- difficultiesProblems to overcome
challenges · setbacks · problems · snags · hitches · barriers · delays · disruptions · entanglements · stumbling blocks
- trivialitiestrivia, trifles, minutiae, small potatoes, peanuts
side issuespriorities
Most important things
bottom line · heart of the matter · main point · primary concern · key issue
side issuesfront and center
Prominent central position
focal point · top priorities · top priority · bread-and-butter issues
side, issue, sides, sided, siding, sideway, sideways, sidelong, beside