in a difficult situation.

If there is a shortage of fuel, everyone who drives to work will be in a tight spot.

Bob's in a tight spot right now because he has fallen behind in his work.

Related vocabulary: put someone/something in a hole, in a bind

• put on the back burner
• put on the dog
• put on the line
• put on the map
• put on the right track
• put on the shelf
• put on the spot
• put out feelers
• put out of action
• put out of mind
• put out of misery
• put out of their misery
• put out of your mind
• put out to pasture
• put over knee
• put over the top
• put over your knee
• put own house in order
• put paid to
• put paid to something
• put pen to paper
• put pressure on
• put pressure on someone
• put pressure on something
• put right