on-the-spot

[ on-thuh-spot, awn- ]

/ ˈɒn ðəˌspɒt, ˈɔn- /

SEE SYNONYMS FOR on-the-spot ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

done or occurring at the time or place in question: an on-the-spot recording.

Origin of on-the-spot

First recorded in 1885–90

Words nearby on-the-spot

on the side, on the sidelines, on the side of the angels, on the skids, on the sly, on-the-spot, on the spur of the moment, on the square, on the street, on the strength of, on the surface

Dictionary.com UnabridgedBased on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Example sentences from the Web for on-the-spot

Captivated by the clothes, Will.i.am requested an on-the-spot meeting with the designer.
Will.i.am, Fashion Designer?|Corbin Chamberlin|December 12, 2012|DAILY BEAST
It is true that practical co-operation and on-the-spot recognition of Indian rights had developed in Virginia in the early years.
Virginia Under Charles I And Cromwell, 1625-1660|Wilcomb E. Washburn
While waiting for the bus, some on-the-spot remarks were made by the Indians, which I thought had some sound sense in them.
Adventures of the Ojibbeway and Ioway Indians in England, France, and Belgium; Vol. II (of 2)|George Catlin

Idioms and Phrases with on-the-spot

on the spot

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]