on the fence

Meaning

1. 1phraseidiominformal

   Not yet able to decide between two options, or not willing to take a side.

   Grammar: Often used after be or sit: she is on the fence about the job.

   Patterns

   • be on the fence about something
   • sit on the fence

   I'm still on the fence about buying a new car.

   Many voters remain on the fence a week before the election.

   He sat on the fence during the argument and refused to say who was right.

Common combinations

on the fence about

She was on the fence about moving to another city.

sit on the fence

You can't sit on the fence forever.

come off the fence

The senator finally came off the fence and backed the bill.

fence-sitter

Campaigners tried to win over each fence-sitter.

still on the fence

We're still on the fence about the holiday.

Synonyms and how they differ

undecided

Undecided is a plain word for not having made up your mind, while on the fence is a lively idiom.

torn

Torn suggests feeling pulled strongly in two directions, rather than simply not having chosen.

neutral

Neutral means deliberately not taking a side, whereas on the fence suggests you have not yet decided.

uncommitted

Uncommitted is more formal and often used in politics for voters who have not chosen a side.

Opposites

Word family

fence noun

a barrier around a field or garden

fence verb

to enclose with a barrier

fence-sitter noun

a person who avoids taking sides

fencing noun

materials for fences, or the sport of sword fighting

Commonly confused: on the fence or over the fence?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “on the fence”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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