deviate from track; go off topic
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 3 examplesverb
to deviate from the correct path or main topic; to go off track
informalOriginally referring to a vehicle leaving the wheel tracks (辙), now used figuratively for straying from proper methods or conversation topics. Carries a mild admonishing tone.
Tā他
shuō说
huà话
zǒng总
shì是
lí离
zhé辙
，
shuō说
bù不
dào到
zhèng正
tí题
shàng上
。
He always goes off topic when speaking and never gets to the point.
Zán咱
men们
tǎo讨
lùn论
wèn问
tí题
kě可
bù不
néng能
lí离
zhé辙
。
We mustn't deviate from the topic when discussing issues.
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Zuò做
shì事
yào要
àn按
guī规
ju矩
lái来
，
bù不
néng能
lí离
zhé辙
。
You have to follow the rules when doing things; you can't deviate from the proper path.