sit on the fence
To remain neutral on a certain topic, to not have a stance or opinion.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“Don't sit on the fence — what do you think?”
“During the debate, the politician sat on the fence and refused to give a clear answer.”
“For years he sat on the fence about the issue, unwilling to upset either his friends or his colleagues by taking a side.”
- 01
fence in
To restrict freedom.
- 02
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.
- 03
homely as a hedge fence
Having no physically attractive characteristics, but not blatantly ugly; very plain in appearance.
- 04
make a Virginia fence
To walk in a unstable manner due to being intoxicated.
- 05
mend fences
To repair damage to a friendship or relationship after a disagreement or other mishap.
- 06
mud fence
Something proverbially unattractive or ugly.
- 07
sit back
To relax, to not exert oneself.
- 08
sit in
To attend a class, educational presentation, meeting, etc. for one time, as a visitor.
Last updated August 10, 2026