Sidetrack v. t. (past & past part. sidetracked; pres. part. 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."
... days later, however, they brought solid and visible proof in the shape of a trainload of building materials and a crowd of Italian laborers, who established themselves in a boarding-car on a sidetrack near the station. ... — Hillsboro People • Dorothy Canfield
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