away from (one's) desk

(redirected from away from her desk)

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?
See also: away, desk

*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
References in periodicals archive ?
Blues managing director Brady is to undergo surgery on Monday which is expected to keep her away from her desk at St Andrews for a month.
Football: IN BRIEF - Brady facing brain surgery
She became "impossible to discipline" and was frequently away from her desk, the Inverness hearing was told.
Flirting claims hit GP surgery
Idioms browser ?
Full browser ?