ENGLISH
REFERENCE

sit on the fence

idiom
Meaning

To remain neutral on a certain topic, to not have a stance or opinion.


Examples
SIMPLE

Don't sit on the fence — what do you think?

CONTEXTUAL

During the debate, the politician sat on the fence and refused to give a clear answer.

COMPLEX

For years he sat on the fence about the issue, unwilling to upset either his friends or his colleagues by taking a side.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    fence in

    To restrict freedom.

  2. 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.

  3. 03

    homely as a hedge fence

    Having no physically attractive characteristics, but not blatantly ugly; very plain in appearance.

  4. 04

    make a Virginia fence

    To walk in a unstable manner due to being intoxicated.

  5. 05

    mud fence

    Something proverbially unattractive or ugly.

  6. 06

    sit back

    To relax, to not exert oneself.

  7. 07

    sit in

    To attend a class, educational presentation, meeting, etc. for one time, as a visitor.

  8. 08

    sit in for

    To substitute; to take somebody's place.

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