Go off into the weeds Meaning in English
expression
Definition
To start focusing on unimportant details or digress far from the main topic, often making things confusing or less effective.
Usage & Nuances
Informal, common in American English. Used when someone gets lost in small details or irrelevant subtopics, especially in meetings or discussions. Similar expressions: 'go off on a tangent', 'get bogged down in details'. Not used for physical weeds; purely figurative.
Example Sentences
Let's not go off into the weeds during this meeting.
basic
The explanation went off into the weeds and confused everyone.
basic
Try not to go off into the weeds when answering questions.
basic
Whenever Pete talks about his hobby, he goes off into the weeds and no one can follow.
natural
Sorry, I think we’re going off into the weeds here—let’s get back on track.
natural
They started talking about budgets but quickly went off into the weeds discussing technical jargon.
natural