ENGLISH
REFERENCE

he's sitting on the fence

idiom
Meaning

He can't make up his mind


Origin

disputed origin

From the fence as the boundary line between two properties or sides; applied to undecided voters in 19th-century American politics.

Examples
SIMPLE

He is sitting on the fence about which car to buy.

CONTEXTUAL

My manager is still sitting on the fence regarding my request for a holiday next month.

COMPLEX

While the rest of the committee voted immediately, he remained sitting on the fence, unwilling to commit to such a controversial policy change.

Last updated June 7, 2026