sidetrack

IPA: sˈaɪdtræk

(rail transport) A second, relatively short length of track just to the side of a railroad track, joined to the main track by switches at one or both ends, used either for unloading freight, or to allow two trains on a same track to meet (opposite directions) or pass (same direction); a railroad siding.
(sometimes) Any auxiliary railroad track, as differentiated from a siding, that runs adjacent to the main track.
(mining) A smaller tunnel or well drilled as an auxiliary off a main tunnel or well.
An alternate train of thought, issue, topic, or activity, that is a deviation or distraction from the topic at hand or central activity, and secondary or subordinate in importance or effectiveness.

(rail transport) To divert (a locomotive or train) on to a lesser used track in order to allow other trains to pass.
To divert or distract (someone) from a main issue or course of action with an alternate or less relevant topic or activity; or, to use deliberate trickery or sly wordplay when talking to (a person) in order to avoid discussion of a subject.
To sideline; to push aside; to divert or distract from, reducing (something) to a secondary or subordinate position.
(intransitive) To deviate briefly from the topic at hand.

Examples of "sidetrack" in Sentences

It just sort of sidetracks the story.
You should stop sidetracking the issue.
Did the Breedlove scandal sidetrack him
Perhaps an attempt to sidetrack the issue
I didn't mean to sidetrack the conversation.
The difference in mileage represents conversions to sidetrack.
He is only focused on making sure it doesn't sidetrack his career again.
It is fair to say where the picture is taken, but not to sidetrack the issue.
It sure didn't take very long for extremists to begin desperately trying to sidetrack the growing movement.
He's confident enough in his abilities as an offensive mind that he won't allow personal feelings to sidetrack him.