On the spot
adverb
Entirely without delay, instantly.
He decided to buy the car on the spot.
Often appears as...
- decide on the spot
- respond on the spot
adverb
In the exact position where one is standing or existing.
He was attacked on the spot where he stood.
Often appears as...
- stand on the spot
- meet on the spot
adverb
Under pressure or in a difficult situation.
The unexpected quiz put me on the spot.
Often appears as...
- put on the spot
- feel on the spot
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
adverb
Entirely without delay, instantly.
He decided to buy the car on the spot.
Often appears as...
- decide on the spot
- respond on the spot
adverb
In the exact position where one is standing or existing.
He was attacked on the spot where he stood.
Often appears as...
- stand on the spot
- meet on the spot
adverb
Under pressure or in a difficult situation.
The unexpected quiz put me on the spot.
Often appears as...
- put on the spot
- feel on the spot
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Quick Decisions
Used when someone makes a decision without needing time to think.
After seeing the performance, she offered him the job on the spot.
Pro Tip 2/3Immediate Action
Implies urgent action taken at the moment, without delay.
The officer asked him to leave the area and he complied on the spot.
Pro Tip 3/3Surprising Outcome
Reflects a surprising or unexpected action taken immediately.
She won the award and had to give a speech on the spot.
Pro Tip 1/3Quick Decisions
Used when someone makes a decision without needing time to think.
After seeing the performance, she offered him the job on the spot.
Pro Tip 2/3Immediate Action
Implies urgent action taken at the moment, without delay.
The officer asked him to leave the area and he complied on the spot.
Pro Tip 3/3Surprising Outcome
Reflects a surprising or unexpected action taken immediately.
She won the award and had to give a speech on the spot.
Pro Tip 1/3Quick Decisions
Used when someone makes a decision without needing time to think.
After seeing the performance, she offered him the job on the spot.
Pro Tip 2/3Immediate Action
Implies urgent action taken at the moment, without delay.
The officer asked him to leave the area and he complied on the spot.
Pro Tip 3/3Surprising Outcome
Reflects a surprising or unexpected action taken immediately.
She won the award and had to give a speech on the spot.
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