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Synonyms

Johnny-on-the-spot

American  
[jon-ee-on-thuh-spot, -awn-] / ˈdʒɒn i ɒn ðəˈspɒt, -ɔn- /

noun

Informal.
  1. a person who is on hand to perform a service, seize an opportunity, deal with an emergency, etc.


Johnny-on-the-spot Idioms  
  1. A person who is available when needed, as in He always is there at the right time, a real Johnny-on-the-spot. [Late 1800s]


Etymology

Origin of Johnny-on-the-spot

First recorded in 1860–65

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Jordyn Brooks was the Johnny-on-the-spot for the pick-six in the third quarter that at least gave Seattle a small glimmer of hope.

From Seattle Times Nov. 23, 2023

Well, not until the very end when Travis Homer had a Johnny-on-the-spot scoop of the Jags’ onside kick to return it 43 yards for a touchdown.

From Seattle Times Oct. 31, 2021

Also, he surely would have known Superman would be Johnny-on-the-spot to such a thing.

From Forbes Apr. 18, 2013

But in the past 15 years hundreds of imperiled seafarers owe their lives to the hail-fellow flag that the fleet flies from its Johnny-on-the-spot main masts.

From Time Magazine Archive

I thought every day would be Glenn’s last, but he was still Johnny-on-the-spot.

From "The Teacher’s Funeral" by Richard Peck

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