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
This game preserves the difficulty of coming up with an elaborate, consistent false narrative on the spot, and the challenge of adapting that narrative on the fly when other players present convincing (and sometimes fake) counter-evidence.
—
Tasha Robinson,
Vulture,
30 June 2026
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Tasha Robinson,
Vulture,
30 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“On the spot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/on%20the%20spot. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.
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