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Difference between In a spot and In spots

in a spot—(coll.) in a difficult situation; in trouble:

  • We really are in a spot, because to refuse her would cause months, if not years, of pouting and hard feelings.

in spots(U.S. sl.) occasionally; at intervals:

  • A boatman being asked how he managed to secure sleeping time, answered, “I sleep in spots”; that is, at intervals, by snatches.