diversion

Everyday

1. A different route that traffic must take when a road is closed. tree →
2. Something that takes attention away from what is really happening, often on purpose. tree →
3. The act of turning something, such as a river or money, to another direction or use. tree →
4. Something fun that passes time; an amusement. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life in the UK, Ireland and Australia, yellow «Diversion» signs show drivers a way round roadworks (Americans say «detour»). In stories, a character «creates a diversion» to distract guards. In geography, a river diversion channels water elsewhere. Phrases: «create a diversion», «follow the diversion», «a welcome diversion».

Examples

• The road was closed, so we followed the diversion signs. tree →
• Tom made a diversion while his sister grabbed the ball. tree →
• The puppy's barking was a diversion from the real thief. tree →
• Engineers built a diversion to stop the town flooding. tree →
• Board games are a pleasant diversion on rainy days. tree →
• The bus took a long diversion because of the parade. tree →
• Puss became a great lord, and never ran after mice any more, but only for his diversion. tree →

Note

Countable. Verb: divert. In US English a road diversion is usually called a «detour». In money or law, «diversion of funds» means using money for something it was not meant for, often wrongly.

In Jewish tradition

It means entertainment or amusement, such as music, brought to a king.

Interpretation. Darius fasts and has no entertainment in the night, worried about Daniel in the lions' den, which the tradition reads as the king's regret.

Examples

• Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting; neither were diversions brought before him; and his sleep fled from him. (Writings DAN.6.19, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Countable. Verb: divert. In US English a road diversion is usually called a «detour». In money or law, «diversion of funds» means using money for something it was not meant for, often wrongly.