ˌon-the-ˈspot, a.
[spot n.1 9.]
Done, occurring, or located at the very place in question; observed or made by an eye-witness; immediate, instantaneous.
| 1886 G. M. Hopkins Let. 11 Feb. (1956) 257 Some on-the-spot account of the late riots, as witnessed by yourself or friends and informants. 1955 Astounding Sci. Fiction Dec. 8 You'll..maybe do some on-the-spot generalling. 1955 Times 5 July p. iv/1 In these ‘on-the-spot’ laboratories routine tests are made continuously while the machines are running. 1956 B.B.C. Handbk. 1957 90 ‘On-the-spot’ recordings. Ibid. 121 On-the-spot reports in sound and television. 1957 [see convectional a.]. 1960 Guardian 11 Apr. 8/1 The use of traffic wardens and on-the-spot fines. 1960 [see Castroism]. 1972 Listener 3 Feb. 159/2 The increasing use of ‘voice pieces’ by on-the-spot correspondents. 1977 Herald (Melbourne) 18 Jan. 1/1 Surgeons performed on-the-spot amputations. |