Putting someone on the hot seat refers to the act of subjecting an individual to intense questioning, scrutiny, or pressure, usually in a public or formal setting, in order to elicit responses or information that they may be hesitant or unwilling to provide. The term is derived from the idea of placing someone in a position where they experience discomfort or the feeling of being under intense scrutiny, much like sitting on a hot seat can cause physical discomfort.
When someone is put on the hot seat, they may be required to answer difficult or probing questions, defend their actions or decisions, or explain controversial or sensitive topics. This can often occur in situations such as legal proceedings, job interviews, press conferences, or important meetings. The purpose of putting someone on the hot seat is often to uncover the truth, challenge their credibility, or hold them accountable for their actions.
Being on the hot seat can create feelings of stress, nervousness, or vulnerability, as the person being interrogated may be forced to divulge information they would prefer to keep private or may feel pressure to provide satisfactory answers. The intense nature of being on the hot seat can require individuals to think quickly, respond effectively, and maintain composure under challenging circumstances.
Overall, the phrase "putting on hot seat" conveys the notion of subjecting someone to an uncomfortable and highly demanding situation that involves intense questioning or scrutiny.
