sidetracks
Leads off course
Sidetracks functions as both noun and verb.
A sidetrack is a short stretch of railroad track branching from the main line, used for storing cars or letting trains pass.
Figuratively, to sidetrack is to divert from the main topic or purpose: Don't let minor details sidetrack the discussion.
She got sidetracked by a phone call and forgot her errand.
Without clear direction
- procrastinationHabitual task avoidance
- daydreamingIdle mental wandering
- inattentionLack of focus
- preoccupationAbsorbing mental focus
mind-wandering · interrupted · disengagement · distractibility · derailed · sidelined · rabbit hole · tangent
Route that skirts obstacles
- rerouteSend a different way
- deviationDeparture from expected path
- alternateOccur in succession
- divergenceSeparation from common origin
roundabout · circuitous · deflection · veer · swerve · fork · shunt · redirect
Line touching curve once
- asideBrief theatrical digression
- parenthesisPunctuation enclosing supplementary text
- excursusExtended tangential passage
- anecdoteBrief account of incident
footnote · departure · rambling · meandering · discursive · off-topic · non sequitur · wandering
Exterior wall covering
- spurIncentive or heel device
- branch lineSecondary railway from trunk
- switchingChanging from one to another
- rail yardTrain staging facility
shunting · turnout · loading dock · rail spur · junction · depot · marshalling yard
Pleased entertainment state
- entertainmentAgreeable diversion of attention
- recreationRefreshment through leisure
- pastimeRecreational pursuit
- hobbyRecreational leisure activity
respite · break · interlude · relaxation · pause · breather · intermission · time-out
Enforced waiting period
- setbackReverse in progress
- hindranceBarrier to progress
- roadblockObstruction across a road
- bottleneckConstriction limiting throughput
stumbling block · hurdle · snag · complication · holdup · derailment · stall · interruption
unfocused
Without clear direction
- procrastinationHabitual task avoidance
- daydreamingIdle mental wandering
- inattentionLack of focus
preoccupation · mind-wandering · interrupted · disengagement · distractibility · derailed · sidelined · rabbit hole · tangent · digression
bypass
Route that skirts obstacles
divergence · roundabout · circuitous · deflection · veer · swerve · fork · shunt · redirect · shortcut
tangent
Line touching curve once
- asideBrief theatrical digression
- parenthesisPunctuation enclosing supplementary text
- excursusExtended tangential passage
anecdote · footnote · departure · rambling · meandering · discursive · off-topic · non sequitur · wandering · straying
siding
Exterior wall covering
- spurIncentive or heel device
- branch lineSecondary railway from trunk
- switchingChanging from one to another
rail yard · shunting · turnout · loading dock · rail spur · junction · depot · marshalling yard
amusement
Pleased entertainment state
- entertainmentAgreeable diversion of attention
- recreationRefreshment through leisure
- pastimeRecreational pursuit
hobby · respite · break · interlude · relaxation · pause · breather · intermission · time-out · distraction
delay
Enforced waiting period
bottleneck · stumbling block · hurdle · snag · complication · holdup · derailment · stall · interruption · slowdown
sidetracksfocuses
Concentrates attention on
concentrates · centers · fixates · rivets · engrosses
sidetracksadvances
Forward movements or progress
furthers · propels · accelerates · expedites · facilitates