"On leave" refers to a period of time when someone is officially allowed to be away from work or duty, usually for personal reasons, illness, or vacation. This phrase is commonly used in professional or formal contexts. It is utilized both in spoken and written English, although it may be more frequently encountered in written communications such as emails, reports, and official documents.
He is currently on leave to care for his sick mother.
(Él está actualmente de licencia para cuidar a su madre enferma.)
The office will be quieter this week since most employees are on leave.
(La oficina estará más tranquila esta semana ya que la mayoría de los empleados están de licencia.)
She is on leave for the entire month of July.
(Ella está de licencia durante todo el mes de julio.)
The phrase "on leave" is often part of various idiomatic expressions related to absence or time off. Here are some examples:
"He is on a sabbatical leave to pursue his studies."
(Él está de licencia sabática para continuar sus estudios.)
"After being on extended leave, she returned to work with renewed energy."
(Después de estar de licencia extensa, ella regresó al trabajo con energía renovada.)
"During maternity leave, she focused on preparing for her new baby."
(Durante la licencia de maternidad, ella se centró en prepararse para su nuevo bebé.)
"His military leave allowed him to spend time with family."
(Su licencia militar le permitió pasar tiempo con la familia.)
"On emergency leave, she quickly flew back to her hometown."
(Con licencia de emergencia, ella voló rápidamente de regreso a su ciudad natal.)
"The company supports employees who need to take stress leave."
(La empresa apoya a los empleados que necesitan tomar licencia por estrés.)
"She took a compassionate leave to attend her brother's funeral."
(Ella tomó una licencia de compasión para asistir al funeral de su hermano.)
The term "leave" in this context comes from the Old English word "lefan," meaning "to allow" or "to permit." The phrase "on leave" has developed over time to denote a formal permission to be absent from one's professional duties.