Sidetrack /(?)/

Side·track

Sidetrack

v. t.

imp. & p. p. Sidetracked; p. pr. & vb. n. Sidetracking

  1. To transfer to a siding from a main line of track. (Railroads)
  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.