# he's sitting on the fence

idiom · CEFR B1

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/hes-sitting-on-the-fence
Updated: 2026-06-07

## Meaning

He can't make up his mind

## Examples

- He is sitting on the fence about which car to buy.
- My manager is still sitting on the fence regarding my request for a holiday next month.
- While the rest of the committee voted immediately, he remained sitting on the fence, unwilling to commit to such a controversial policy change.

## Origin

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

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.