On the spot Meaning in English
expression
ˈɑn/, /ˈɔn/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈspɑt
AHN-thuh-SPAHT
ˈɒn/ /ðə, ði/ /spˈɒt
ON-thuh-SPOT
Definition
Immediately or in the exact place where something happens. Can mean making a decision or taking action without delay, or being physically at the location.
Usage & Nuances
Commonly used for immediate action ('make a decision on the spot') or for being present at a location ('police arrived on the spot'). Slightly informal but used in both spoken and written English. Not to be confused with 'spot' as a physical mark.
Spanish: en el acto - en el lugarPortuguese (BR): na hora - no localPortuguese (PT): no momento - no localChinese (Simplified): 当场 - 立即Chinese (Traditional): 當場 - 立即Hindi: तुरंत - उसी जगहArabic: على الفور - في المكانBengali: তৎক্ষণাৎ - সেই মুহূর্তেRussian: на месте - сразуJapanese: その場でVietnamese: ngay tại chỗ - ngay lập tứcKorean: 즉석에서 - 현장에서Turkish: anında - olay yerindeUrdu: فوراً - موقع پرIndonesian: langsung - di tempat
Example Sentences
He was hired on the spot after his interview.
basic
The accident happened on the spot.
basic
She made the decision on the spot.
basic
Sorry, I'm just making this up on the spot.
natural
The manager had to deal with the problem on the spot.
natural
They offered her a discount on the spot, so she bought it right away.
natural