Today we talk about dots and spots . Now , both “dot ” and “spot ” can be used as a verb or a noun . And both have several meanings and can be used several ways . Here is the most common definition of a dot : a small , perfectly round circle . A spot is small part of something that is different from the main part . Recently , we learned on this program the idiom “a leopard never changes its spots .” Now , spots on a leopard are not perfect circles . They are small areas on the animal that are a different color . If we said the leopard had dots , it would mean the animal was covered in perfect , small circles . It would look as if it were wearing polka-dotted clothing . Clothing with polka dots are marked with little circles . But there is no such as thing as polka spots . However , both words are used with “on the ” – “on the dot ” and “on the spot .” But they mean totally different things . If you are “on the dot ,” you arrive someplace at exactly the time you were expected to arrive . “On the spot ” means right away . For example , if you are hired for a job on the spot , you are hired immediately . Spot can also mean a certain place . For example , many people remember the exact spot of their first kiss . That is … if it was a good one . “X marks the spot ” means an exact place you want something or where something is to be found . You might see this on a treasure map . The X on the map marks the spot where the treasure is buried . So , that definition is important to know . Sometimes the spot is in our bodies . For example , if something like food or drink “hits the spot ,” it is much needed and comes at the perfect time . Other things can hit the spot . A warm room when you are cold or a night out with friends when you have been unhappy could both hit the spot . You needed them both . However , more often than not , we use “hit the spot ” for food and drink . For example , if you have been walking in the desert you might really need some water . In that case , a big drink of water would really hit the spot . And again , we do not say hit the dot . But we do say “connect the dots .” This means to understand something by piecing together little bits of information . You figure out something by connecting the dots . This expression comes from a children's activity called , not surprisingly , connect the dots . You draw lines connecting numbered dots , and a picture starts to appear . Finally , a dotted line is made up of very small dots . And when you sign on the dotted line , you officially agree to buy something or do something by signing a document . So , read a document carefully before you sign on the dotted line . Now , let's hear some of these expressions used . Since we already talked about treasure maps , let's stick with that situation . Two friends are out in the woods looking for a buried treasure . How long have we been walking in these woods ? I don't know . Just keep walking . How much farther does the map say to go ? We started up here near on this hill . This map says the treasure is buried on the other side . So , we have to keep walking . How do you know ?? Look at the map ! X marks the spot … right there ! I think we passed that spot an hour ago . No we didn't . We have to keep walking north . I am so thirsty ! Then drink some water and stop complaining . That water really hit the spot . Don't drink all your water ! We still have hours of walking to do . We told Jimmy we would be at the secret meeting spot at 10pm on the dot . I did not agree to a specific time . So , Jimmy is just going to have to wait . What if he leaves ? You know , I don't care if Jimmy leaves . We're doing all the work out here … walking in the woods … looking for a buried treasure . You know what I think ? I think if we find the treasure … we should just keep walking . Keep it for ourselves ! I don't know . If Jimmy goes back to the boss without us and without the treasure … I think he'll be able to connect those dots pretty quickly . And then we're dead ! Why did we sign on the dotted line and agree to do this ?? There has got to be an easier way to make a buck . Maybe we could open a bookstore or something .