to jump the tracks
01
to unexpectedly switch from the planned path
![to [jump] the (tracks|rails) definition and meaning](https://cdn.langeek.co/photo/40823/original/?type=jpeg "to [jump] the (tracks|rails) definition and meaning")
Idiom
例
The project seemed promising, but it jumped the rails when unexpected challenges arose.
02
(of a train) to accidentally leave the railroad
Collocation例
The old steam locomotive jumped the tracks during the historic reenactment, causing a brief pause in the festivities.
