Idioms

away from desk

Also found in: Acronyms.

away from (one's) desk

Not at one's desk at a particular time. This phrase is typically said in an office environment on another person's behalf (as by a receptionist or assistant). I'm sorry, Mr. Medina is away from his desk right now. Can I take a message? A: "Hey, why isn't Carrie answering her phone?" B: "Looks like she's away from her desk." Ed's looking for you again. I can say you're still away from your desk—or do you actually want to talk to him this time?
See also: away, desk
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

*away from one's desk

Fig. not available for a telephone conversation; not available to be seen or spoken to. (Sometimes said by the person who answers a telephone in an office. It means that the person whom the caller wants is not immediately available due to personal or business reasons. *Typically: be ~; Step ~.) I'm sorry, but Ann is away from her desk just now. Can you come back later? Tom has stepped away from his desk, but if you leave your number, he will call you right back.
See also: away, desk
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
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References in periodicals archive
Photos of babies and people who live in rural areas away from desk jobs and de-signer furniture show that the pelvis is meant to tip forward, the shoulder blades should be positioned behind the spine, and feet should point slightly outward when standing.
The Youth Sport Trust encourages its employees to engage in 30 active minutes every day with top tips shared around the workplace on how to actively spend time away from desks. It also runs free yoga sessions and gives employees additional days holiday to spend quality time with their families.
Whatever one's musical tastes, the concerts are a chance to sample different styles while relaxing and recharging, away from desks and chores.
FROM meter readers to milkmen, many people love the freedom of working door-to-door - away from desks and office politics.
'It's also got something of that pacey, American style lacking in a lot of British law dramas - lots of walk-and-talk scenes that move the action away from desks and offices - and I love all that.'
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