"Sitting on the fence" is a common idiom used in English to describe a person's lack of decisiveness, neutrality or hesitance to choose between two sides in an argument or a competition, or inability to decide due to lack of courage.

What is the meaning of the phrase to sit on the fence?

To remain neutral, to refuse to take sides in a dispute; often used in a derogatory way about someone who lacks the courage to decide: “The councilman is afraid he'll lose votes if he takes sides on the zoning issue, but he can't sit on the fence forever.”

How do you use the word sit on the fence in a sentence?

1 He tends to sit on the fence at meetings. 2 You can't sit on the fence any longer - you have decide whose side you're on. 3 The weakness of the book is that it sits on the fence on important issues. 4 They are sitting on the fence and refusing to commit themselves.

Is sitting on the fence a bad thing?

Is sitting on the fence a bad thing? However, sitting on the fence for too long is not really a good thing. Think about actually sitting on a fence for a long period of time: it can get very uncomfortable and it keeps you stuck in one place. Sitting on the fence won't get you anywhere, so don't stay there for too long.

Are you a fence sitter?

a person who remains neutral or undecided in a controversy.

The Rolling Stones - Sittin’ On A Fence (Official Lyric Video)

Does it mean to be on the fence?

If you're on the fence, you can't decide something. You're torn between two options. If you're standing at the ice cream counter, not sure if you should get chocolate or vanilla, you're on the fence. Being on the fence means you really just can't decide.

What is the meaning of idiom hit the nail on the head?

DEFINITIONS1. to say something that is exactly right or completely true. With regard to the gentleman's comments, I think he has hit the nail right on the head.

Where did the expression on the fence come from?

The origin of the idiom 'on the fence' has its roots in Middle English, when the word 'fens', short for 'defens' was originated. Later, an “e” was added to the term to form the word defense as it is used today.

What is the synonym of chronic?

constant, continuing, continual, ceaseless, incessant, unabating, unending, persistent, perennial, long-lasting, lingering. deep-rooted, deep-seated, ineradicable. severe, serious, acute, grave, dire. temporary, mild. 3'a chronic liar'

What is a irresolute?

: uncertain how to act or proceed : vacillating irresolute legislators. Other Words from irresolute More Example Sentences Learn More About irresolute.

What do you call someone who is on the fence?

fencer Add to list Share. A fencer is someone who participates in the sport of fencing, or sword fighting.

What does the idiom When Pigs Fly mean?

US, informal. —used to say that one thinks that something will never happen The train station will be renovated when pigs fly.

What means I smell a rat?

smell a rat. Suspect something is wrong, especially a betrayal of some kind. For example, When I didn't hear any more from my prospective employer, I began to smell a rat. This expression alludes to a cat sniffing out a rat. [

What is the meaning of the idiom last straw?

Definition of the final/last straw

: the last in a series of bad things that happen to make someone very upset, angry, etc. It had been a difficult week, so when the car broke down, it was the last straw.

What is to put the cart before the horse?

: to do things in the wrong order People are putting the cart before the horse by making plans on how to spend the money before we are even certain that the money will be available.

What is the meaning of Elvis has left the building?

"Elvis has left the building" is a phrase that was often used by public address announcers at the conclusion of Elvis Presley concerts in order to disperse audiences who lingered in hopes of an encore.

What does the idiom burn the midnight oil mean?

: diligent effort expended late at night or as if late at night — compare burn the midnight oil.

What are some cool idioms?

• Cool as a cucumber. Meaning: calm and composed, especially in stressful situations. ...
• Hold your horses. Meaning: wait a minute; be patient. ...
• Kick the bucket. Meaning: to die. ...
• Blue in the face. ...
• Head in the clouds. ...
• Dead as a doornail. ...
• Piece of cake. ...
• Out of the blue.

What are the 20 examples of idioms?

• Under the weather. What does it mean? ...
• The ball is in your court. What does it mean? ...
• Spill the beans. What does it mean? ...
• Break a leg. What does it mean? ...
• Pull someone's leg. What does it mean? ...
• Sat on the fence. What does it mean? ...
• Through thick and thin. ...
• Once in a blue moon.

What are the 5 idioms?

• Get your act together (Meaning: you need to improve your behaviour/work) ...
• Pull yourself together (Meaning: calm down) ...
• I'm feeling under the weather (Meaning: I'm sick) ...
• It's a piece of cake (Meaning: it's easy) ...
• Break a leg (Meaning: good luck!)

How do you sit on a fence?

It would be good if you stop sitting on the fence and choose whose side you are on. He did not want to say no to either of them, so he was just sitting on the fence. She did not know whether to say yes or no to the proposal, she was sitting on the fence.

What is the idioms for fence?

• (as) homely as a hedge fence.
• be on the fence.
• be sitting on the fence.
• come off the fence.
• fence (someone or something) off from (something)
• fence an animal in.
• fence hanger.
• fence in.

What is fence sitting psychology?

fence sitting. One who takes a position of neutrality or indecision, as in a controversial matter. acquiescence. yea-saying, or agreement with every item instead of thinking carefully about each one. response sets.