- Home
- Idioms
- at work
at work
at work
1. At one's place of employment. Mom, I can't help you right now, I'm at work. How much longer will you be at work?
2. Engaged in a particular task. Your father is hard at work in the garage, trying to fix his car. Don't disturb Alice while she's at work on her term paper.
at work
1. at one's place of work. I'm sorry to call you at work, but this is important. She's at work now. She'll be home at supper time.
2. working [at something]; busy [with something]. (See also
at play.)
Tom is presently at work on his project. He'll be finished in a half hour. Don't disturb me when I'm busy at work. at work
1. Engaged in a job or other activity, as in The contractor is hard at work on the new building, or The little boy was fascinated to see the washing machine at work. [Early 1600s]
2. At one's office or other place of business, as in Is it all right if I telephone you at work? [Late 1800s]
at work
1. Engaged in labor; working: at work on a new project.
2. In operation: inflationary forces at work in the economy.