sidetrack

Side"track`, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Sidetracked; p. pr. & vb. n. Sidetracking.] 1. (Railroads) To transfer to a siding from a main line of track. 2. Hence, fig., to divert or reduce to a position or condition that is relatively secondary or subordinate in activity, importance, effectiveness, or the like; to switch off; to turn aside, as from a purpose. [Colloq.] Such a project was, in fact, sidetracked in favor of the census of school children. Pop. Sci. Monthly.

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