On the Fence – Meaning & Usage Examples

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Let’s explore the saying ‘on the fence’ together, understanding its meaning, origins, and real-life examples.

Meaning of the Idiom

The idiom ‘on the fence’ is used to describe someone who is undecided, neutral, or uncommitted in a particular situation or issue. It implies being hesitant to take a side or make a decision, often due to uncertainty, indecision, or a desire to avoid conflict. Figuratively, it suggests being in a state of limbo or indecisiveness, neither fully supporting nor opposing a position or course of action.

Origin of the Idiom

The origin of the phrase ‘on the fence’ is literal, referring to someone sitting on a fence, unable or unwilling to choose which side to come down on. The image of someone straddling a fence symbolizes indecision or reluctance to commit to one side or the other. Over time, the expression gained metaphorical usage to describe individuals who are undecided or neutral in various contexts.

10 Idiom Examples in Everyday Situations

1. When asked about the new policy, Sarah remained ‘on the fence,’ unsure whether she supported or opposed it.

2. Despite the heated debate, John stayed ‘on the fence,’ unwilling to take a side until he had more information.

3. When choosing between two job offers, Emily found herself ‘on the fence,’ unable to decide which opportunity to pursue.

4. While discussing vacation plans, Tom was ‘on the fence’ about whether to go to the beach or the mountains.

5. Despite his friends’ enthusiasm for the new restaurant, Mark remained ‘on the fence’ until he heard more reviews.

6. When it came to selecting a candidate for the position, the hiring committee was ‘on the fence’ between two equally qualified applicants.

7. Despite the strong arguments on both sides, Lisa found herself ‘on the fence’ about whether to support the new legislation.

8. When it came to investing in the stock market, Michael was ‘on the fence,’ uncertain about the risks and benefits.

9. Despite her friends’ urging, Emily remained ‘on the fence’ about whether to join the club until she had more information.

10. When discussing the family vacation destination, Sarah found herself ‘on the fence’ between visiting the mountains or the coast.

5 Quotes Featuring the Idiom

1. “Sometimes it’s okay to be ‘on the fence’; taking time to make a decision can lead to better outcomes in the long run.” – Unknown

2. “Being ‘on the fence’ doesn’t mean you’re indecisive; it means you’re taking the time to consider all options before making a choice.” – Unknown

3. “It’s natural to feel ‘on the fence’ when faced with important decisions; take your time and trust your instincts.” – Unknown

4. “Being ‘on the fence’ allows you to weigh the pros and cons before committing to a decision; embrace the process.” – Unknown

5. “Don’t rush to choose sides; sometimes it’s best to stay ‘on the fence’ until you have a clearer perspective.” – Unknown

Idioms Starting From Letter O

Each and every letter of the English alphabet has hundreds of idioms. As in this post, we are talking about the idiom beginning with the letter O. There are many other idioms that also start with the ‘O’, which can be useful to you. We have gathered all the O-starting idiomatic expressions on a single page to make it easy for you to find the best and most useful idioms starting with the letter O.