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.

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.

• When a locomotive is diverted to a less-used track to allow traffic to pass
  
• (colloquial) When a conversation, discussion or subject is dismissively ignored by the respondent
  
• trickery, sly wordplay, to duck or avoid an issue
       
• The politician sidetracked the reporter with a story about duck hunting instead of a direct response to the question that was asked.
       
• I hope you can sidetrack the teacher with questions so we don't have to take the exam.