The difference between Sidetrack and Siding

When used as nouns, sidetrack means 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), whereas siding means a building material which covers and protects the sides of a house or other building.


Sidetrack is also verb with the meaning: to divert (a locomotive) on to a lesser used track in order to allow other trains to pass.

check bellow for the other definitions of Sidetrack and Siding

  1. Sidetrack as a 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.

  2. Sidetrack as a noun:

    (sometimes) Any auxiliary railroad track, as differentiated from a siding, that runs adjacent to the main track.

  3. Sidetrack as a noun (mining):

    A smaller tunnel or well drilled as an auxiliary off a main tunnel or well.

  4. Sidetrack as a noun:

    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.

    Examples:

    "Stay focused on the story; you keep getting lost in all of these little sidetracks."

  1. Sidetrack as a verb:

    To divert (a locomotive) on to a lesser used track in order to allow other trains to pass.

  2. Sidetrack as a verb:

    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.

    Examples:

    "Sorry I'm late. I got sidetracked helping my friend move some furniture."

    "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."

  3. Sidetrack as a verb:

    To sideline; to push aside; to divert or distract from, reducing (something) to a secondary or subordinate position.

    Examples:

    "The project was sidetracked in favor of a more popular program."

    "He has sidetracked this debate for far too long."

  4. Sidetrack as a verb (intransitive):

    To deviate briefly from the topic at hand.

    Examples:

    "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."

  1. Siding as a noun (North America):

    A building material which covers and protects the sides of a house or other building.

    Examples:

    "Ugh. If there's one thing I can't stand it's cheesy vinyl siding."

  1. Siding as a verb:

    Examples:

    "Whenever he hears an argument, he can't help siding with one party or the other."

  1. Siding as a 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 loading or unloading freight, storing trains or other rail vehicles; or to allow two trains on a same track to meet (opposite directions) or pass (same direction) .

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