Category: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.