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Sidetrack vs Deflect - What's the difference?

sidetrack | deflect |

In lang=en terms the difference between sidetrack and deflect

is that sidetrack is to deviate briefly from the topic at hand while deflect is to deviate from its original path.

As verbs the difference between sidetrack and deflect

is that sidetrack is to divert (a locomotive) on to a lesser used track in order to allow other trains to pass while deflect is to make (something) deviate from its original path.

As a noun sidetrack

is (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.

sidetrack

English

Alternative forms

* side-track', ' side track

Noun

(en noun)
  • (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.
    • Stay focused on the story; you keep getting lost in all of these little sidetracks .

    Synonyms

    railroad siding, siding, lay-by (UK)

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • To divert (a locomotive) 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.
    • Sorry I'm late. I got sidetracked with contributing to Wiktionary.
    The politician sidetracked the reporter with a story about duck hunting instead of a direct response to the question that was asked.
    I hope you can sidetrack the teacher with questions so we don't have to take the exam.
  • To sideline; to push aside; to divert or distract from, reducing (something) to a secondary or subordinate position.
    • The project was sidetracked in favor of a more popular program.
    He has sidetracked this debate for far too long.
  • To deviate briefly from the topic at hand.
    • Just to sidetrack a little bit from the subject I will explain my reasoning.
    To sidetrack for a moment, let me commend this team for their outstanding efforts.

    Synonyms

    * (deviate from the topic at hand) digress

    Anagrams

    *

    deflect

    English

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • To make (something) deviate from its original path.
  • To deviate from its original path.
  • (figuratively) To avoid addressing (questions, criticism, etc.).
    • The Prime Minister deflected some increasingly pointed questions by claiming he had an appointment.
  • (figuratively) To divert (attention, etc.).
  • * 2013 , Luke Harding and Uki Goni, Argentina urges UK to hand back Falklands and 'end colonialism'' (in ''The Guardian , 3 January 2013)[http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2013/jan/02/argentina-britain-hand-back-falklands]
    • Critics suggest that Fernández, an unashamed populist and nationalist, is seeking to deflect attention from social disharmony at home.