phrase🎓 English idiom

on the fence

undecided

What it means

Undecided about something, unable or unwilling to choose between two options or sides. It describes a state of hesitation where someone hasn't committed either way.

Examples

  • I'm still on the fence about which university to attend.
  • Many voters remain on the fence until the final debate.
  • She's on the fence about whether to take the new job.
  • He sat on the fence rather than support either candidate.

Where it comes from

The image is of someone literally sitting on top of a fence between two fields, not yet down on either side. It became common in American political talk in the 19th century.

Related idioms

#up in the air#the ball is in your court#play it by ear#play devil's advocate

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