put someone on the spot

put (one) on the spot

To force one to do something instantaneously, often causing them unease or embarrassment. My kids always try to put me on the spot with requests, knowing that I'm less likely to turn them down in front of their friends' parents. When the boss put me on the spot in the meeting today, I wasn't prepared to answer his question and ended up babbling like a fool.See also: on, put, spot

put someone on the spot

COMMON If you put someone on the spot, you put them in a difficult situation, often by making them answer a difficult question. He put me on the spot and asked me what I was going to do about the problem. I didn't have an answer. If you put me on the spot I'd say I hope Germany win — but I expect it will be Italy or France.See also: on, put, someone, spot

put someone on the spot

force someone into a situation in which they must make a difficult decision or answer a difficult question. informalSee also: on, put, someone, spot