Noun + はそっちのけで

[Neglecting; ignoring; leaving aside]

Connection: Noun + はそっちのけで

Usage: Expresses that someone completely ignores or neglects something important in favor of doing something else. Carries a critical or humorous tone.

Nuance: Implies that what is being neglected should be prioritized, and the speaker is commenting (often critically) on the misplaced priorities.

Examples:

仕事はそっちのけで、ゲームばかりしている。(He completely ignores his work and just plays games.)

勉強はそっちのけで、友達と遊んでばかりいる。(Leaving studying aside, she does nothing but hang out with friends.)

家事はそっちのけで、二人ともスマホに夢中だ。(Both of them are absorbed in their phones, completely neglecting the housework.)