Guide 156 / 200 4 alternatives 2-minute read
Better ways to say “Go down a rabbit hole”
A Lewis Carroll metaphor for "get distracted."
i · Why avoid itTwo lines, no filler
Fine in casual writing. In a professional document, "go too deep," "get sidetracked," or "over-investigate" are clearer.
ii · Before & afterDrop-in demo
Before
Let's not go down a rabbit hole on this.
After
Let's not go too deep on this — we're short on time.
iii · The alternatives4 ways out
- 01Go too deep neutral
scope warning
Let's not go too deep.
- 02Get sidetracked neutral
drift from main thread
Let's not get sidetracked.
- 03Over-investigate formal
when rigour risks over-reach
Be careful not to over-investigate.
- 04Lose the thread neutral
narrative framing
We risk losing the thread.
iv · Brew tipKeep this one
If you can name what you'd prefer the team stay focused on, that framing is more useful.