take a tangent

Meaning

Depart from the primary subject of a conversation or argument to discuss something unrelated.

Examples

• She often takes a tangent when she gets excited about a minor detail in the story.
• Please try not to take a tangent during the meeting so we can finish on time.

Pronunciation: /teɪk ə ˈtændʒənt/

Synonyms of take a tangent

Words with a similar meaning to take a tangent:

• digress
• stray
• deviate
• wander