Meaning
The phrase “on the spot” has two common meanings:
- Immediately / without delay — to do something right away.
- In a difficult or pressured situation — being forced to make a decision or act quickly.
- At the location — physically present at the place where something happens.
Grammar and Usage
- Used mainly as an adverbial phrase.
- It can describe time (immediately), place (at the location), or situation (under pressure).
Sentence structures:
- do something on the spot → act immediately.
- put someone on the spot → make someone feel pressured or uncomfortable.
Common Phrases
- make a decision on the spot
- pay on the spot
- put someone on the spot
Collocations
- decide on the spot
- hired on the spot
- embarrassed on the spot
- solve the problem on the spot
Examples
- She was offered the job on the spot after the interview.
- The teacher asked me a tough question and really put me on the spot.
- The mechanic fixed the car on the spot.
- He apologized on the spot when he realized his mistake.
- The police arrived on the spot just minutes after the accident.
- I couldn’t think of an answer on the spot.
- Tourists can buy tickets on the spot at the entrance.
Synonyms or Related
- immediately
- instantly
- right away
- at once
- under pressure
Antonym
- later
- delayed
- at ease