Meaning of "murder on the spot"

[Kolombina]

English Grammar Error, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #23 "Expressions and Gerunds", question 6

It was quite straightforward really. The police caught the man with the dagger in his hand and charged him of murder on the spot.

(a) straightforward
(b) caught
(c) of

English Grammar Error, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #23 "Expressions and Gerunds", answer 6

It was quite straightforward really. The police caught the man with the dagger in his hand and charged him with murder on the spot.

Correct entry: with
The error was: (c) of

Your answer was: ?
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meaning of "murder on the spot"

Kolombina

[Conchita]

'On the spot' means immediately, straight away, at the place where something is happening. Our sentence can read: "...the police immediately accused him of murder" or "the police accused him of murder there and then (or: at once)".

[Alan]

Hi Kolombina,

Adding to what Conchita has said, it's worth noting that spot in an expression often suggests a location as here meaning there and then. You can also use the expression for example when you refer to someone who has witnessed an incident. Often a newsreader on radio/tv will say: Let's now talk to our reporter who's on the spot - meaning the reporter is actually there where something has happened like a plane crash/demonstration and so on and is able to give an actual description of what is happening now.

Alan
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