Be on the telephone
verb
To be using the phone for a conversation.
I'll be on the telephone the whole morning, discussing the project with our partners.
Often appears as...
- be on the telephone with
- be on the telephone for
verb
To be waiting for a phone call or about to make one.
I'll be on the telephone all night if I have to, waiting for him to call.
Often appears as...
- be on the telephone all day
- be on the telephone all night
verb
To be engaged in communication via telephone, especially for a long period of time.
She's been on the telephone for hours, trying to resolve the issue.
Often appears as...
- be on the telephone for hours
- be on the telephone all day
verb
To be using the phone for a conversation.
I'll be on the telephone the whole morning, discussing the project with our partners.
Often appears as...
- be on the telephone with
- be on the telephone for
verb
To be waiting for a phone call or about to make one.
I'll be on the telephone all night if I have to, waiting for him to call.
Often appears as...
- be on the telephone all day
- be on the telephone all night
verb
To be engaged in communication via telephone, especially for a long period of time.
She's been on the telephone for hours, trying to resolve the issue.
Often appears as...
- be on the telephone for hours
- be on the telephone all day
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/2Business Context
Indicates busy schedule, often in professional settings where discussions are planned.
Can't meet for lunch, I'll be on the telephone with clients.
Pro Tip 2/2Scheduled Calls
Used when referring to calls that are part of a planned agenda or timetable.
He's unavailable every Tuesday because he's on the telephone for team briefings.
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