on-the-spot
adjective
Origin of on-the-spot
Words nearby on-the-spot
Definition for on the spot (2 of 2)
Origin of spot
OTHER WORDS FROM spot
British Dictionary definitions for on the spot
noun
verb spots, spotting or spotted
Derived forms of spot
spottable, adjectiveWord Origin for spot
Medical definitions for on the spot
n.
v.
Idioms and Phrases with on the spot (1 of 2)
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]
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]
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)
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.