on-the-spot

[ on-thuh-spot, awn- ]
/ ˈɒn ðəˌspɒt, ˈɔn- /

adjective

done or occurring at the time or place in question: an on-the-spot recording.

Origin of on-the-spot

First recorded in 1885–90

Definition for on the spot (2 of 2)

Origin of spot

1150–1200; (noun) Middle English spotte; cognate with Middle Dutch, Low German spot speck, Old Norse spotti bit; (v.) late Middle English spotten to stain, mark, derivative of the noun

OTHER WORDS FROM spot

British Dictionary definitions for on the spot

spot
/ (spɒt) /

noun

verb spots, spotting or spotted

Derived forms of spot

spottable, adjective

Word Origin for spot

C12 (in the sense: moral blemish): of German origin; compare Middle Dutch spotte, Old Norse spotti

Medical definitions for on the spot

spot
[ spŏt ]

n.

A mark on a surface differing sharply in color from its surroundings.
A stain or blot.

v.

To lose a slight amount of blood through the vagina.

Idioms and Phrases with on the spot (1 of 2)

on the spot

1

At once, without delay, as in When the boss learned Tom had been lying, he fired him on the spot. This usage suggests that one does not have time to move away from a particular spot. [Late 1600s]

2

At the scene of action, as in Whenever there's a bad accident or fire, you can be sure the station will have a reporter on the spot. This usage also employs spot in the sense of “a particular location.” [Late 1600s]

3

Under pressure or in trouble, as in He's on the spot, because he can't pay back the loan. It is also phrased as put on the spot, meaning “put under pressure.” For example, The reporter's question put her on the spot; she didn't want to lie or to admit her part in the scandal. [First half of 1900s]

Idioms and Phrases with on the spot (2 of 2)

spot

see blind spot; hit the high spots; hit the spot; in a bind (tight spot); in a fix (spot); Johnny-on-the-spot; knock the socks (spots) off; leopard cannot change its spots; on the spot; rooted to the spot; soft spot; x marks the spot.