fence in
To restrict freedom.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The rules fence him in too much.”
“She felt the small town fenced her in, so she moved to the city for more freedom.”
“The strict traditions of his family had always fenced him in, yet he found himself unable to break free even when the opportunity arose.”
- 01
fence the tables
To make a solemn address to those who present themselves to commune at the Lord's Supper, on the feelings appropriate to the service, in order to hinder, so far as possible, those who are unworthy from approaching the table.
- 02
homely as a hedge fence
Having no physically attractive characteristics, but not blatantly ugly; very plain in appearance.
- 03
make a Virginia fence
To walk in a unstable manner due to being intoxicated.
- 04
mend fences
To repair damage to a friendship or relationship after a disagreement or other mishap.
- 05
mud fence
Something proverbially unattractive or ugly.
- 06
sit on the fence
To remain neutral on a certain topic, to not have a stance or opinion.
- 07
swing for the fences
To do something extremely ambitious, especially rashly.
- 08
throw one's hat over the fence
To commit fully.
Last updated August 10, 2026