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off the track

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off the track

 

1. Go to off the (beaten) track.

2. Fig. [of comments] irrelevant and immaterial. I'm afraid you're off the track, John. Try again. I'm sorry. I was thinking about dinner, and I got off the track.

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off the track

Away from one's objective, train of thought, or a sequence of events, It is often put as get or put or throw off the track , as in Your question has gotten me off the track, or The interruption threw Mom off the track and she forgot what she'd already put into the stew . This term comes from railroading, where it means "derailed." Its figurative use was first recorded in 1875.

See also: off, track

off the track

mod. not on a productive course; following the wrong lead. You are off the track just a little. Let me help you.

See also: off, track