Shot off to take in position of responsibility (3,4)
I believe the answer is:
hot seat
'position of responsibility' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'shot off to take' is the wordplay.
'off' indicates anagramming the letters.
'to take' becomes 'eat' (eat can mean to take in food).
'shot' with letters rearranged gives 'hots'.
'hots'+'eat'='HOT SEAT'
'in' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for hot seat that I've seen before include "Uncomfortable or tricky situation (informal)" , "Chair for person with difficult responsibility" , "Eat host In position of person with difficult responsibilities." , "punishment?" , "Situation of responsibility or danger" .)