The Collaborative International Dictionary
Sidetracking
Sidetrack \Side"track`\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Sidetracked; p. pr. & vb. n. Sidetracking.]
(Railroads) To transfer to a siding from a main line of track.
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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.
Wiktionary
sidetracking
vb. (present participle of sidetrack English)