in the hot seat

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in the hot seat

Faced with harsh criticism or judgment. I was in the hot seat when the boss found out that I'd caused that error in the report.

in/on the hot seat

In a position in which one must face intense questioning, criticism, punishment, or scrutiny. The director will be in the hot seat today when he's called before the congressional committee to answer for the recent scandal. You can bet you'll be on the hot seat if the boss gets wind of this.

hot seat, in the

In a position of extreme stress or discomfort, as when subjected to harsh criticism. For example, When merger negotiations broke down, he was in the hot seat with the stockholders. This expression extends hot seat in the sense of "the electric chair" (for effecting an execution) to wider use. [c. 1930]

in the hot seat

BRITISH, AMERICAN, INFORMAL or

on the hot seat

AMERICAN, INFORMAL

COMMON If you are in the hot seat, you are in a position where you have to make important or difficult decisions, or where you have answer difficult questions. He spent three years in the hot seat as the chief executive of south London's Lambeth Council. Syd King was the club's longest-serving manager, with 30 years in the hot seat. Note: You can also say that you put someone in the hot seat, when you give them this position. Four years later, Dowd put presidential contender John Kerry in the hot seat, asking him the same questions.

in the ˈhot seat

(informal) a position of responsibility in which you must deal with difficult questions, criticism or attacks: Our radio phone-in today is on transport, and the Minister of Transport will be in the hot seat, ready to answer your questions.