ɡɛt ˈsaɪdtrækt
Travel
informal
beginner
- Literally:
- to be diverted onto a side railway track
What does "get sidetracked" mean?
to be distracted from the main topic or task
Examples
- I was studying but got sidetracked by social media for two hours.
- Let's stay focused and not get sidetracked by minor issues.
- The conversation got sidetracked when someone brought up last week's controversy.
Origin
From railway terminology. Figurative use dates to the late 19th century.
How to use it
Usually implies an unintentional or unwelcome diversion.
Similar expressions
get distracted
lose focus
go off on a tangent
Opposites
stay on track
remain focused
Related idioms
- hit the road
To leave or depart on a journey
- in the same boat
In the same difficult situation as someone else
- miss the boat
To miss an opportunity
- go the extra mile
to make more effort than is expected or required
- a long way to go
much more work or progress is needed before completion
- that ship has sailed
The opportunity has passed
Use it in a practice answer
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