ɒn ðə fɛns
General
neutral
beginner
- Literally:
- Sitting on top of a fence
What does "on the fence" mean?
- Undecided between two options
- Unable or unwilling to commit to a position
Examples
- I'm still on the fence about accepting the offer.
- Many voters are on the fence.
- She's on the fence between the two candidates.
Origin
The image of someone sitting on a fence between two properties, not on either side. Represents neutrality or indecision.
How to use it
Common in political discussions. Can imply inability to make decisions.
Similar expressions
undecided
neutral
torn
ambivalent
Opposites
decided
committed
certain
Related idioms
- actions speak louder than words
What people do is more important than what they say
- better safe than sorry
It's better to be careful and prevent problems than to take risks
- so far so good
Things have gone well up to now
- easier said than done
Something is more difficult to do than to talk about
- make a long story short
To summarize or get to the point
- to make matters worse
In addition to existing problems
Use it in a practice answer
Try "on the fence" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.