PhrasesHub

on the spot

    Definitions

      • immediately
        Describing an action or decision that is made without any delay or hesitation

      • in trouble
        Referring to being in a difficult or challenging situation

    Examples of on the spot

    • The police officer demanded that the suspect explain his actions on the spot.

      In this example, the idiom "on the spot" means immediately and without warning. The suspect was not given time to prepare an explanation or to think of an excuse, but was required to answer the officer's questions right away.

    • The interviewer caught me off guard with a question on the spot, and I stumbled over my words.

      In this example, the idiom "on the spot" means unexpectedly and without warning. The interviewer asked a question that the speaker was not expecting, and they were caught off guard and couldn't respond confidently or coherently.

    • The speaker was put on the spot during the panel discussion when he was asked to provide an example of his experience in that specific field.

      In this example, the idiom "on the spot" means under pressure or in a difficult situation. The speaker was asked a question that required him to provide a specific example, and he was under pressure to come up with a good answer.

    • The salesperson had to think on his feet and come up with a solution on the spot when the customer's product broke down unexpectedly.

      In this example, the idiom "on the spot" means to think quickly and to come up with a solution without preparation or prior thought. The salesperson had to think creatively and come up with a quick solution to the unexpected problem.

    • The manager asked the sales representative to explain the mistakes in the monthly report on the spot during the team meeting.

      This idiom is used to describe a situation where someone is required to provide an immediate response or explanation, without prior preparation or warning. In this example, the sales representative was caught off guard and had to respond to the manager's request for explanation on the spot during the team meeting.

    • The police officer demanded to see the suspect's identification papers on the spot during the routine check.

      In this example, the police officer required the suspect to produce identification papers instantly, without any delay or prior notice. The use of 'on the spot' highlights the immediate nature of the request.

    • The customer complained about the quality of the product and demanded a refund on the spot.

      This example emphasizes the customer's demand for an immediate response to their complaint. The seller was required to provide a refund on the spot without any further discussion or delay.

    • In a hotly contested debate, the speaker was caught off guard by a sudden question and had to respond on the spot.

      This example highlights a situation where someone is unexpectedly presented with a question and has to respond immediately without prior preparation or rehearsal. The use of 'on the spot' emphasizes the speaker's improvisational skills and ability to think on their feet.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "on the spot" can be used to indicate something happening immediately or to describe being in trouble. It is a versatile phrase that can be used in various contexts to convey a sense of urgency or difficulty.

    Origin of "on the spot"

    The origin of the idiom "on the spot" can be traced back to the late 19th century. It is believed to have originated from the idea of being in a particular location or position, where action or decision needs to be taken immediately. The phrase has since evolved to encompass both the immediate aspect as well as the notion of being in trouble. It is commonly used in everyday language to convey a sense of urgency or difficulty in a situation.

    Examples of usage can be found in literature and everyday conversations, demonstrating the longevity and versatility of the idiom "on the spot" in the English language.