Sidetrack \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. [Webster 1913 Suppl.]
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. --Pop. Sci. Monthly. [Webster 1913 Suppl.]
The Justice Department's confirmation that Mr. Poindexter sought to sidetrack investigations of arms shipments to the Contras follows a report in The Wall Street Journal last Friday that senior department officials sought to delay the probes.
Independent counsel Lawrence Walsh said Monday that Thornburgh, for "no legitimate reason," is using court appeals to sidetrack the prosecution of Joseph Fernandez.
"Farm lenders are optimistic about financial conditions despite the (1988) drought and do not think it will sidetrack the farm recovery," the report said.
Jordan Berliner of de Recat & Associates in San Jose, Calif., and a consultant in placement firm Drake Beam Morin's Burlington, Mass., office also say temporary jobs can sidetrack job hunters.