Johnny-on-the-spot

[ jon-ee-on-thuh-spot, -awn- ]

noun

, Informal.

1. a person who is on hand to perform a service, seize an opportunity, deal with an emergency, etc.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Johnny-on-the-spot¹

First recorded in 1860–65

Idioms and Phrases

A person who is available when needed, as in He always is there at the right time, a real Johnny-on-the-spot . [Late 1800s]

Example Sentences

Jordyn Brooks was the Johnny-on-the-spot for the pick-six in the third quarter that at least gave Seattle a small glimmer of hope.

From Seattle Times

Well, not until the very end when Travis Homer had a Johnny-on-the-spot scoop of the Jags’ onside kick to return it 43 yards for a touchdown.

From Seattle Times

“The next time we had a forced march, every one of us was Johnny-on-the-spot,” Steve said.

From Washington Post

One former Cooler Heads member, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of fear of a punitive backlash, said the coalition’s mission under Ebell was to be a “Johnny-on-the-spot for climate denialism” and to simulate a “cacophony of voices” against climate-change science.

From Washington Post

But Dempsey stood Johnny-on-the-spot to the right to tap in the rebound before Deric could fully recover.

From Seattle Times