on the spot

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/ɑn ðə ˈspɑt/
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At the scene of an event, or immediately without delay.
Practice using on the spot in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • Doctors treated the injured people on the spot.
  • A reporter was on the spot when the fire began.
  • The team arrived on the spot within minutes.
  • The manager made a decision on the spot.
  • They hired him on the spot after the interview.

Similar words

at the scene
immediately
right there
then and there
right away
at the location

Meanings

At the scene

location
neutral
At the place where an event is happening or has just happened.

Examples

  • A reporter was on the spot when the fire began.
  • Doctors treated the injured people on the spot.
  • Were any witnesses on the spot?
  • The team arrived on the spot within minutes.
  • An officer at the scene spoke to us on the spot.

Similar words

at the scene
right there
at the location

Immediately

time
neutral
Immediately, at the moment a choice or action is required.

Examples

  • She accepted the offer on the spot.
  • The manager made a decision on the spot.
  • Would you agree on the spot without reading the contract?
  • They hired him on the spot after the interview.
  • I could not answer the question on the spot.

Similar words

immediately
right away
then and there

Etymology

Spot names a particular place. The fixed expression first locates a person at that place and also means acting there and then.

FAQ

What does on the spot mean?

It can mean at the scene or immediately.

Can a reporter be on the spot?

Yes. It means the reporter is at the event location.

What does hired on the spot mean?

It means hired immediately, often during the interview.

Does on the spot always mean pressure?

No. Pressure belongs to the separate expression put someone on the spot.

Can you decide on the spot?

Yes. You decide without delaying.

Comments & contributions

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