hot seat

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition

1. n. Slang The electric chair.
2. n. Informal A position in which one is subjected to extreme stress or discomfort, as by excessive criticism.

Wiktionary

1. n. slang the electric chair
2. n. by extension any stressful situation

WordNet 3.0

1. n. an instrument of execution by electrocution; resembles an ordinary seat for one person
2. n. a difficult position where you are subjected to stress and criticism