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
例子
The project seemed promising, but it jumped the rails when unexpected challenges arose.
The company's expansion plans jumped the rails due to unforeseen economic downturns.
02
(of a train) to accidentally leave the railroad
Collocation例子
The old steam locomotive jumped the tracks during the historic reenactment, causing a brief pause in the festivities.
The intense storm and flooding caused several trains to jump the tracks, disrupting the railway schedule.
