jump the track

jump the track
jump the track
1. Lit. [for something] to fall or jump off the rails or guides. (Usually said about a train.) •

The train jumped the track, causing many injuries to the passengers.

•

The engine jumped the track, but the other cars stayed on.

2. Fig. to change suddenly from one thing, thought, plan, or activity to another. •

The entire project jumped the track, and we finally had to give up.

•

John's mind jumped the track while he was in the play, and he forgot his lines.

* * *
{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.

Dictionary of American idioms. 2013.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • jump the 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… …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • jump the track — Jumping the track is suddenly changing from one plan, activity, idea, etc, to another …   The small dictionary of idiomes

  • jump the track — (of a train) become derailed * * * jump the track(s) (US) (or chiefly Brit jump the rails) of a train : to come off the track Dozens of people were injured when the train jumped the track. • • • Main Entry: ↑jump …   Useful english dictionary

  • jump\ the\ 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… …   Словарь американских идиом

  • jump the track — (Roget s IV) v. Syn. leave the rails, be wrecked, be derailed; see crash 4 …   English dictionary for students

  • jump the tracks — jump the track(s) (US) (or chiefly Brit jump the rails) of a train : to come off the track Dozens of people were injured when the train jumped the track. • • • Main Entry: ↑jump …   Useful english dictionary

  • jump the rails (or track) — (of a train) become dislodged from the track. → jump …   English new terms dictionary

  • jump the gun (to) —  Start too soon (track and field).  ► “ ‘To be honest, we are more concerned about having them [PC makers] jump the gun than be late,’ Mr. Silverberg said.” (Wall Street Journal, June 6, 1995, p. B16) …   American business jargon

  • jump — [jump] vi. [< ?] 1. to move oneself suddenly from the ground, etc. by using the leg muscles; leap; spring 2. to be moved with a jerk; bob; bounce 3. to parachute from an aircraft 4. to move, act, or react energetically or eagerly: often with… …   English World dictionary

  • jump — I. verb Etymology: probably akin to Low German gumpen to jump Date: 1530 intransitive verb 1. a. to spring into the air ; leap; especially to spring free from the ground or other base by the muscular action of feet and legs b. to move suddenly or …   New Collegiate Dictionary

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