general (military); checkmate; put someone on the spot
Meanings
5 senses · 10 examplesnoun
general officer; officer of general rank
formalSpecific military rank, corresponding to general, lieutenant general, major general, etc.
He is a respected old general.
This general commanded many important battles.
noun
high-ranking military commander; senior officer
neutralA broader term for high-ranking commanders, not strictly limited to the 'general' rank.
There were many famous generals in ancient times.
He is an admiral in the navy.
noun
rhubarb (old name)
archaicObsolete term for the medicinal herb rhubarb. Now archaic.
This traditional Chinese medicine was called 'general' in ancient times.
verb
to check (in Chinese chess)
Used in the context of Chinese chess (xiangqi), meaning to directly attack the opponent's general/king.
My chariot checks your general!
He cleverly used his horse to checkmate.
verb
to put someone on the spot; to corner someone; to challenge embarrassingly
informalA metaphorical extension from chess, meaning to confront someone with a difficult question or demand in public, causing embarrassment.
He put me on the spot in front of everyone, asking me to perform a dance.
The reporter's question really put the spokesperson on the spot, making it hard to answer.
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Stop putting me on the spot, I really don't know the answer.