You may have heard someone use the term ‘Johnny on the spot’ during a conversation in English, but what are they referring to when they say it? We will look at the meaning of this term and how we can use it in a conversation. We will also take a look at where the term came from in the first instance.
Johnny On the Spot
“Johnny On the Spot” Meaning
When someone uses the phrase ‘Johnny on the spot,’ they are referring to someone who is always available.
Origin of this idiom
The term ‘johnny on the spot’ has a full wording of ‘Johnny is always on the spot.’ The phrase is believed to have originated in the late 1800s in the United States.
“Johnny On the Spot” Examples
Examples in Statements
This is a statement made by someone in the workplace.
- ‘If you need something doing call Peter, johnny is always on the spot.’
Here is a statement made by a father.
- ‘My son is so reliable, he is always there when I need him. Johnny on the spot is fitting for him.’
Conversation Examples
If you are curious to see how the term; Johnny on the spot’ can fit into a conversation, here are some examples to show how it can work.
The first conversation is taking place between two co-workers.
- Person 1: “I really need some help with this work, I will never get it all done by myself.”
- Person 2: “Ask someone to do some of it for you.”
- Person 1: “There is nobody who is available.”
- Person 2: Johnny on the spot over there, Mike, he will always be ready to help.”
This next conversation is between two friends.
- Person 1: “I am always dropping everything to go running to Anne when she needs me, but she never returns the favor.”
- Person 2: “Stop being such a Johnny on the spot for her then.”
Other Ways to Say “Johnny On the Spot”
There are other ways in which you can say the term ‘Johnny on the spot.’
Here are some examples of what you might say.
- Yes man
- Always on hand
“Johnny On the Spot” | Picture
Last Updated on December 24, 2020