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Abstellgleis

siding, dead-end track

noun AHP-shtel-glais Rare
Travel & Places Transportation

Also means

figuratively: being sidelined

Usage Note

Abstellgleis refers to a railway siding used to park rolling stock. The phrase auf das Abstellgleis schieben means to sideline someone, making it common in both rail and figurative contexts.

Examples

"Der alte Güterwaggon stand schon seit Jahren auf dem Abstellgleis."

Natural Translation

The old freight wagon had been sitting on the siding for years.

Literal Translation

The old freight wagon stood already since years on the siding.

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