upon\ the\ spot

upon\ the\ spot
adv or adj. phr.
1. • (up)on the spot
At that exact time and at the same time or place; without waiting or leaving.

The news of important events is often broadcast on the spot over television.

When Tom ruined an expensive machine, his boss fired him on the spot.

Compare: at once, in one's tracks, then and there
2. • in a spot informal
In trouble, difficulty, or embarrassment.

Mr. Jones is on the spot because he cannot pay back the money he borrowed.

Bill is on the spot; he invited George to visit him, but Bill's parents said no.

Compare: back to the wall
3. slang
In danger of murder; named or listed for death.

After he talked to the police, the gangsters put him on the spot.


Словарь американских идиом. — СПб., Изд-во "Лань". . 1997.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • Upon the spot — Spot Spot (sp[o^]t), n. [Cf. Scot. & D. spat, Dan. spette, Sw. spott spittle, slaver; from the root of E. spit. See {Spit} to eject from the mouth, and cf. {Spatter}.] 1. A mark on a substance or body made by foreign matter; a blot; a place… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • upon the spot — See: ON THE SPOT(1) …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • upon the spot — See: ON THE SPOT(1) …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • upon the spot — Immediately, at once, on the spot …   New dictionary of synonyms

  • upon the spot — adverb (or adjective) see on the spot …   Useful english dictionary

  • On the spot — Spot Spot (sp[o^]t), n. [Cf. Scot. & D. spat, Dan. spette, Sw. spott spittle, slaver; from the root of E. spit. See {Spit} to eject from the mouth, and cf. {Spatter}.] 1. A mark on a substance or body made by foreign matter; a blot; a place… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • on the spot — {adv.} or {adj. phr.} 1. or[upon the spot] At that exact time and at the same time or place; without waiting or leaving. * /The news of important events is often broadcast on the spot over television./ * /When Tom ruined an expensive machine, his …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • on the spot — {adv.} or {adj. phr.} 1. or[upon the spot] At that exact time and at the same time or place; without waiting or leaving. * /The news of important events is often broadcast on the spot over television./ * /When Tom ruined an expensive machine, his …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • upon the place — phrasal obsolete : on the spot : immediately told him upon the place, I would serve his majesty William Temple …   Useful english dictionary

  • Spot — (sp[o^]t), n. [Cf. Scot. & D. spat, Dan. spette, Sw. spott spittle, slaver; from the root of E. spit. See {Spit} to eject from the mouth, and cf. {Spatter}.] 1. A mark on a substance or body made by foreign matter; a blot; a place discolored.… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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