side quest

Meaning

In video games, a 'side quest' is an optional mission that does not advance the main story but provides extra rewards or lore. Metaphorically, people use it to describe a funny, unexpected detour or minor task in real life.

Examples

• I spent three hours doing every side quest before finally fighting the main boss.

  I spent three hours doing every side quest before finally fighting the main boss.

• Going to the grocery store turned into a side quest when I ended up helping a neighbor fix his car.

  Going to the grocery store turned into a side quest when I ended up helping a neighbor fix his car.

• You can unlock some of the best gear in the game by completing this specific side quest.

  You can unlock some of the best gear in the game by completing this specific side quest.

• I'm supposed to be studying, but I got distracted by a side quest to clean my entire room.

  I'm supposed to be studying, but I got distracted by a side quest to clean my entire room.

• The main plot is okay, but the side quests are where the writing really shines.

  The main plot is okay, but the side quests are where the writing really shines.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I did a side quest of the main story.

  ✓ I did a side quest instead of the main story.

  A side quest is separate from the main story, so you do it 'alongside' or 'instead of' the main plot, not 'of' it.

• ✗ I have many side quests to do at my actual office job.

  ✓ I have many minor tasks to do at my office job.

  While 'side quest' is used metaphorically for daily life, using it too much in formal or professional work settings can sound unprofessional or overly casual.

Related Expressions

Practice

• If you complete this optional ___, you will get a rare sword.

  💡 An optional mission in a game.

  Show answer

  side quest

• We went out for coffee, but it became a ___ when we ended up rescuing a stray puppy.

  💡 A metaphorical detour or distraction.

  Show answer

  side quest