hot seat, in the

1. In a position of extreme stress or discomfort, as when subjected to harsh criticism. For example, When merger negotiations broke down, he was in the hot seat with the stockholders. This expression extends hot seat in the sense of “the electric chair” (for effecting an execution) to wider use. [c. 1930]

Example Sentences

As a result of redistricting, six-term Rep. Dina Titus is on the hot seat in the Democrat’s traditional stronghold encompassing the Las Vegas Strip after party strategists sacrificed some turf in exchange for gains elsewhere.

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And for the first time in years, as a result of redistricting, six-term Rep. Dina Titus is on the hot seat in the Democrat’s traditional stronghold encompassing the Las Vegas Strip after party strategists sacrificed some turf in exchange for gains elsewhere.

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Who Wants to Be a Millionaire Amanda Peet, Zachary Quinto and Karamo Brown are in the hot seat in the first of three new episodes.

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The job he will take later this month has been a hot seat in the world of highbrow journalism since Lewis H. Lapham stepped down as editor in 2006, after a 28-year run.

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But you can bet that he’ll be in the hot seat in the coming weeks.

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