Being placed in situation, asked a question, or given a statement which requests or requires an uncomfortable answer (whether the answer is verbal or calls for action). Many times, "the spot is only an uncomfortable place because the individual "on the spot" is either worried the information/outcome seeker will not like their answer, or because the situation has become awkward due to a lack of information for too long, producing the proverbial elephant in the room.
She wondered if he fully understood she would not be upset by his answer, as she begrudgingly had him put on the spot many times, but received no answer at all.
by Patiently Waiting April 28, 2022