Advertisement

Advertisement

View synonyms for on the spot

on-the-spot

[on-thuh-spot, awn-]

adjective

  1. done or occurring at the time or place in question.

    an on-the-spot recording.



Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of on the spot1

First recorded in 1885–90
Discover More

Idioms and Phrases

At once, without delay, as in When the boss learned Tom had been lying, he fired him on the spot . This usage suggests that one does not have time to move away from a particular spot. [Late 1600s]

At the scene of action, as in Whenever there's a bad accident or fire, you can be sure the station will have a reporter on the spot . This usage also employs spot in the sense of “a particular location.” [Late 1600s]

Under pressure or in trouble, as in He's on the spot, because he can't pay back the loan . It is also phrased as put on the spot , meaning “put under pressure.” For example, The reporter's question put her on the spot; she didn't want to lie or to admit her part in the scandal . [First half of 1900s]

Discover More

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.

Those caught doing so will get a £200 on-the-spot fine in the first instance, rising to an unlimited fine and/or a prison sentence of up to two years for repeat offences.

Read more on BBC

The district — where nearly all students come from low-income families — also brings in corps of tutors who walk the class and offer on-the-spot help.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

This would mean on-the-spot fines of £200 for retailers selling unregulated products or to people aged under 18.

Read more on BBC

A town hall aired on Univision led to a quickly debunked conspiracy theory that Harris was offering canned answers to supposedly on-the-spot questions via a teleprompter.

Read more on Salon

Turkish citizens this summer are able to visit 10 Greek islands using on-the-spot visas, skipping a more cumbersome procedure needed to enter Europe’s common travel area zone, known as the Schengen area.

Read more on Seattle Times

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement


on the slyon the spur of the moment