THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
On the spot
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
Immediately, at that moment, or at the place where something is happening.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- The repairer checked the loose handle and fixed it on the spot.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.
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Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
The repairer checked the loose handle and fixed it ________.
Show the answer
On the spot — Immediately, at that moment, or at the place where something is happening.
Try your own sentence (optional)
Make it yours
Write one sentence using “On the spot” about your own life.
Check your sentence
Does your sentence match this meaning?
Immediately, at that moment, or at the place where something is happening.
Compare: The repairer checked the loose handle and fixed it on the spot.
Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.
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More ways to understand and use it
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When to use it
Use this expression about an immediate action or a response made there and then. It is common in conversation and general writing.
More examples in context
- I couldn’t give an exact answer on the spot, so I checked the figures later.
- A volunteer was on the spot to show visitors where to queue.
Usage note
“Put someone on the spot” is a related pattern meaning pressure them to answer or act in an uncomfortable situation. “On the spot” alone need not imply pressure.
A short conversation
A: Did they ask you to decide straight away?
B: Yes, but I didn’t want to choose on the spot.
A: It makes sense to consider the options.
One more practice question
If a repair is completed on the spot, when is it done?
A. Only at an unspecified time months later.
B. There and then, without waiting for a later visit.
Check your answer
B. In this context, “on the spot” means immediately at the location.
Related lessons
Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.