in the hot seat
Meaning(s)
1. be in an important position or one in which you face intense scrutiny
Popularity
High
Professional
High
Social
How to Memorize
be put in the hot seat/have spent time in the hot seat
Analysis
To be in the hot seat means to be in a position where you are responsible for something important or subject to intense criticism, questioning or scrutiny.
Professional Examples (Advance)
- Peter spent three years in the hot seat as chief executive of a prominent retail company, so he has a wealth of experience.
- I'm going to be put in the hot seat today. The boss wants me to call into his office to explain why I didn't submit my report on time.
- You have a lot of talent. Play your cards right and one day you could be the one in the hot seat, running things at the company.
Social Examples (Advance)
- I'll be in the hot seat with my teacher if I don't have some work to show her at our next meeting.
- Universities are in the hot seat for increasing fees.