Pronunciation: [sˈa͡ɪdtɹak] (IPA) 
The word "sidetrack" is spelled with the letter "e" in the middle, between "d" and "t." This is because the sound between those two consonants is a short "i" sound, as in the word "bit." The IPA phonetic transcription for "sidetrack" is /ˈsaɪd.træk/, which shows the stress falling on the first syllable and the exact sounds of each letter. The word means to divert from a main topic or path, often used in figurative or literal senses.
Sidetrack is a verb that refers to diverting someone's attention or causing someone to deviate from the main topic, goal, or course of action. It is also used to describe a physical action of guiding or redirecting something or someone away from the intended path.
In terms of diverting attention, sidetrack involves leading someone away from a particular subject or task by introducing a different topic or discussing something irrelevant. It can be a deliberate tactic employed in various contexts, such as during an argument, negotiation, or discussion, to shift the focus or distract someone from the main issue. Sidetracking can be done intentionally to avoid addressing a problem or to manipulate the direction of a conversation.
On a literal level, sidetrack refers to leading or guiding someone or something away from the intended path or track. It commonly applies to trains or railway systems, where a sidetrack is an alternate route or rail line branching off from the main line. In this context, sidetracking can involve switching a train onto a different track or diverting it to another destination. It can also be used in a figurative sense to describe any situation where someone or something is redirected from the original path or course of action.
Overall, sidetrack pertains to the act of diverting attention or redirecting someone or something from its original focus, whether it's a conversation, goal, or physical path.
The word "sidetrack" originated in the early 19th century and is formed by combining the prefix "side-" with the noun "track".
The term "track" goes back to Middle English, originally meaning "footprint" or "mark left by something". It evolved to denote a physical path or trail, especially one used for transportation purposes, such as a railroad track.
The prefix "side-" is derived from Old English "sīde", which means "side" or "border". It is used to indicate something that is away from the main direction or off to the side.
Therefore, the term "sidetrack" essentially means diverting from the primary course or shifting to a different path alongside the main track, both literally and figuratively.
