in/on the hot seat

in the hot seat

Faced with harsh criticism or judgment. I was in the hot seat when the boss found out that I'd caused that error in the report.
See also: hot, seat

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.
See also: hot, on, seat
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

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.
See also: hot, on, seat
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

in the hot seat

BRITISH, AMERICAN, INFORMAL or

on the hot seat

AMERICAN, INFORMAL
COMMON If you are in the hot seat, you are in a position where you have to make important or difficult decisions, or where you have answer difficult questions. He spent three years in the hot seat as the chief executive of south London's Lambeth Council. Syd King was the club's longest-serving manager, with 30 years in the hot seat. Note: You can also say that you put someone in the hot seat, when you give them this position. Four years later, Dowd put presidential contender John Kerry in the hot seat, asking him the same questions.
See also: hot, seat
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

in the ˈhot seat

(informal) a position of responsibility in which you must deal with difficult questions, criticism or attacks: Our radio phone-in today is on transport, and the Minister of Transport will be in the hot seat, ready to answer your questions.
See also: hot, seat
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

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.
See also: hot, on, seat
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
See also:
  • hot seat, in the
  • in the hot seat
  • hot seat
  • get hot
  • go like hot cakes
  • like hot cakes, go
  • hot for (something)
  • hot on
  • hot on (something)
  • hotter than a two-dollar pistol