aiguiller

Aiguiller literally means to switch a train onto a different track (from aiguille, a railway switch), and by extension to steer or direct someone toward a choice, career, or decision — aiguiller qqn vers qch is common in guidance and advising contexts.

• Le conseiller d'orientation l'a aiguillée vers des études de médecine. — The guidance counselor steered her toward medical studies.
• Cet aiguillage permet d'aiguiller les trains vers la bonne voie. — This switch allows trains to be directed onto the right track.
• Pouvez-vous m'aiguiller vers le bon service? — Can you point me toward the right department?

Learners often translate aiguiller too literally as related to 'needle' (confusing it with aiguille) — in everyday use it almost always means to guide or direct someone, not anything to do with sewing.

Often confused with orienter.