in the absence of sth

缺乏某物

in sb's absence

某人不在时

In his absence I looked to see what was on his desk.

他不在时，我看了看他桌上有什么东西。

absence makes the heart grow fonder

(proverb)you feel more affection for those you love when parted from them

(谚)小别胜新婚

absence of mind

failure to concentrate on or remember what one is doing

走神，心不在焉