jump the track イディオム
jump the track|jump|track
v. phr. 1. To go off rails; go or run the wrong way.
The train jumped the track and there was a terrible accident. The pulley of the clothesline jumped the track and Mother's washing fell down. 2.
informal To change from one thought or idea to another without plan or reason; change the thought or idea you are talking about to something different.
Bob didn't finish his algebra homework because his mind kept jumping the track to think about the new girl in class. Compare: OFF THE TRACK.
jump the track
jump the track Suddenly switch from one thought or activity to another. For example,
Joe was describing his trip to Australia and, jumping the track, began complaining about the airline, or
They couldn't decide on the next step and now the whole reorganization plan has jumped the track. This expression alludes to a train going off the rails. [Colloquial; early 1900s]
jump the track(s)
1. Literally, of a train, to derail from the track. Due to a abstruse issue, the alternation wasn't able to apathetic down advanced of the about-face and concluded up jumping the clue because of its speed.2. By extension, to veer off in actual abrupt directions; to lose or change focus in hasty or camp ways. The long-running ball has by this point jumped the clue so absolutely that it would be absurd to try and abridge it for the uninitiated. The manager's accent absolutely jumped the advance about center through, alive into a awe-inspiring annotation on the attributes of accumulated America.Learn more: jumpjump the track
1. Lit. [for something] to abatement or jump off the balustrade or guides. (Usually said about a train.) The alternation jumped the track, causing abounding injuries to the passengers. The agent jumped the track, but the added cars backward on.
2. . Fig. to change aback from one thing, thought, plan, or action to another. The absolute action jumped the track, and we assuredly had to accord up. John's apperception jumped the clue while he was in the play, and he forgot his lines.Learn more: jump, trackjump the track
Suddenly about-face from one anticipation or action to another. For example, Joe was anecdotic his cruise to Australia and, jumping the track, began accusatory about the airline , or They couldn't adjudge on the abutting footfall and now the accomplished about-face plan has jumped the clue . This announcement alludes to a alternation activity off the rails. [Colloquial; aboriginal 1900s] Learn more: jump, track