side track
Lead astray conversationally
A side track is a secondary railroad track branching from the main line, used for storing cars, allowing trains to pass, or switching operations.
Figuratively, to sidetrack is to divert from the main course or purpose: Don't let minor issues sidetrack the meeting.
Something that sidetracked you pulled your attention away from what you were doing.
- sidestreetMinor road off thoroughfare
- beaten pathMuch-traveled route
- sidetrackedDiverted from main task
- detourAlternate path around obstruction
- bypassRoute that skirts obstacles
getting sidetracked · red herring · wild goose chase · digression · tangent · branch line · diverge · rabbit hole · lose the plot · train of thought · redirect · deviate · spur · veer · offshoot · distraction · short line · shunt
side trackfocus
Concentrated attention point
concentrate · stay focused · zero in · hone in · pay attention
side trackmain line
Primary route in network
direct route · straight path · stay the course · go straight · main road
side trackprioritize
Rank by importance
get to the point · cut to the chase · main event · primary concern
side, track, sides, sided, siding, sidelong, sideways, sideward, beside