on the spot

phrase

1

: at once : immediately

was hired on the spot

2

: at the place of action

a reporter who was on the spot

3

a

: in a responsible or accountable position

The coach was put on the spot for the team's latest loss.

b

: in a difficult or trying situation

The unexpected question put me on the spot.

Examples of on the spot in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Advocates believe that there may be cases that are not documented in court records — instances when Taliban authorities confront and flog the accused on the spot, such as women violating the Taliban's strict dress code. — Ruchi Kumar, NPR, 8 Sep. 2026

And, keep a Barfly citrus juicer on hand to squeeze lemons and limes on the spot. — The Editors, Robb Report, 7 Sep. 2026

While on The Last Sunrise set, Gibgot and Roklin workshopped a premise with Todd on the spot. — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 1 Sep. 2026

Some recall Ternus being able to cite plastic material measurements, drop-test physics equations, or weight metrics for various products—on the spot. — Sebastian Herrera, Fortune, 31 Aug. 2026

Rhymes for on the spot

• aeronaut
• aforethought
• afterthought
• apricot
• argonaut
• astronaut
• camelot
• coffeepot
• concordat
• cosmonaut
• entrepot
• flowerpot