away from 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
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

*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.
See also:
  • away from (one's) desk
  • desk
  • be away from (one's) desk
  • at (one's) own game
  • answer for
  • pearly
  • not put it past
  • not put it past (someone)
  • hit the rock
  • babysit with (someone or something)
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.
8 Steps to a Pain-Free Back
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.
Charity riding high as one of best places to work in the UK; YST is 29th in '100 Best Not for Profit Companies to work for list'
Whatever one's musical tastes, the concerts are a chance to sample different styles while relaxing and recharging, away from desks and chores.
Downtown's Brown Bag; Free concert series turns 30
FROM meter readers to milkmen, many people love the freedom of working door-to-door - away from desks and office politics.
STEPS TO SAFETY.. KNOW HOW
'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.'
In the act