When we say we got sidetracked, it means that we became distracted from our original goal or plan. There are many synonyms for this common phrase, including diverted, sidelined, waylaid, derailed, and deviated. Each of these words conveys a sense of being pulled off course, whether by external forces or internal impulses. We might use these synonyms to describe anything from a conversation that went on a tangent to a project that got delayed by unforeseen circumstances. Whatever the cause, getting sidetracked can be frustrating, but it can also lead to unexpected discoveries and insights.