in a difficult position; subject to much criticism. (Slang.)
I was really in the hot seat for a while.Now that John is on the hot seat, no one is paying any attention to what I do.
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.
on the hot seat
and in the hot seat
Fig. in a difficult position; subject to much attention or criticism. I was really in the hot seat for a while.No w that John is on the hot seat, no one is paying any attention to what I do.
on the hot seat
phr. in a situation where one is being scrutinized or asked questions. (see also hot seat.) I was on the hot seat for about an hour, but they didn’t learn anything from me.