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- DictionaryOn the spot
- ▪ without any delay; immediately
- ▪ at the scene of an action or event
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at the place where an event is happening or has recently happened: The police were called and they were on the spot within three minutes. The animals form groups to hunt prey, which they eat on the spot. Interviewees may have to debug a program on the spot. It can be difficult to come up with a good answer on the spot.
On-the-spot things are done immediately and at the place where you are. Rail travellers who try to avoid paying their fares could face on-the-spot fines. American English : on-the-spot / ˌɒnðəˈspɒt /
Someone who is on the spot is in the place where something is actually happening. The Guard has firefighters on the spot the minute a fire is sighted. Note: You can use on-the-spot before a noun to say that something actually happens in the place that you are talking about.
On-the-spot definition: done or occurring at the time or place in question. See examples of ON-THE-SPOT used in a sentence.
What does the phrase on the spot mean? There are ten meanings listed in OED's entry for the phrase on the spot . See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.
The phrase “on the spot” is a commonly used idiom in English language, which refers to being put in a situation where one has to make an immediate decision or take action. The origins of this expression are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have originated from military jargon.
on-the-spot meaning, definition, what is on-the-spot: done immediately while you are at a part...: Learn more.
phrase. (idiomatic) At that very moment; right away. He liked the house, so he made an offer on the spot. Wiktionary. (idiomatic) Having to answer or decide without warning or preparation. All the sudden questions put him on the spot and he had to think quickly. Wiktionary. (idiomatic) In a particular place.
1. a. A mark on a surface differing sharply in color from its surroundings. b. A blemish, mark, or pimple on the skin. c. A stain or blot. 2. Games. a. A mark or pip on a playing card; a spade, club, diamond, or heart. b. A playing card with a specified number of such marks on it indicating its value. 3.
Definitions of on the spot. adverb. at the place in question; there. “they were on the spot when it happened”. “it had to be decided by the man on the spot ”. adverb. without delay or immediately. “we hired her on the spot ”. adverb.
