Derailing Meaning in English
word · lemma: derail
Definition
The act of causing a train to go off its tracks, or more generally, the process of something going off course or being distracted from its main topic.
Usage & Nuances
Often used literally for trains, but very common metaphorically for conversations, meetings, or plans getting off track ('derailing the discussion'). Formal and informal contexts; often paired with 'prevent from derailing' or 'accused of derailing'.
Example Sentences
The train was in danger of derailing during the storm.
basic
Unclear instructions are derailing the project.
basic
You are derailing the conversation with unrelated topics.
basic
He's always derailing meetings by making jokes.
natural
Let's stay focused instead of derailing the discussion.
natural
Social media arguments have a way of quickly derailing.
natural