I. ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ noun
Etymology: side (I) + track
1. : siding
2. : a position or condition of secondary importance to which one may be diverted
II. transitive verb
1. : to transfer to a railroad siding from a main line
the president's special train was sidetracked to clear the main line — Spokane (Wash.) Spokesman-Review
2.
a. : to turn aside from a purpose : divert (as from the main subject or principal trend of action) into another and usually less important channel
sidetrack a person
b. : to divert to a position that is relatively secondary (as in activity, importance, or effectiveness) : reduce to a subordinate condition : prevent action upon by diversionary tactics
sidetrack an issue
sidetrack a question
sidetrack a problem