Where the newly-washed clothes are, while one's telephoning? (2,3,4)
I believe the answer is:
on the line
If this is the answer I cannot explain how the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for on the line that I've seen before include "At risk - or speaking on telephone" , "At serious risk" , "Using the phone" , "Caller may be" , "when one is at risk" .)