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Difference between On the spot and Spot on

admin Confusing Phrases

on the spot—

1. at the place where one’s presence is needed:

  • The police were on the spot very soon after the accident happened.

2. then and there; immediately:

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

3. (coll.) in a difficult situation; in trouble (also: in a spot):

  • He is on the spot because he cannot make a choice between Reagan and Nixon as the guest speaker.

spot on—(UK coll.) definitely right or true in one’s opinion, answer, etc.:

  • “Is that the right answer, Sir?” “Yes, you’re spot on!”