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

Pacemakers and some other implants can already sense trouble and respond on the spot. — Peter Hall, Scientific American, 29 Sep. 2026

Be a human who makes new mistakes, too, but one who apologizes for them on the spot. — Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 28 Sep. 2026

Wilson wrapped up and spun Mateer on a quarterback sack, the ball coming loose again, with Cole opportunistically on the spot to scoop up the fumble and return it 23 yards to the Oklahoma 11. — Mike Griffith, AJC.com, 27 Sep. 2026

As for the cleansing properties, there’s a hefty 50% concentration of soybean oil that provides a satisfying slip and dissolves makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum on the spot. — Sarah Han, Allure, 24 Sep. 2026

Rhymes for on the spot

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