PhrasesHub

On the fence

    Definitions

      • undecided or neutral
        To be unsure or indecisive about something, often used in the context of making a decision or taking a side in an argument or issue

      • not committed
        To be uncommitted or uninvolved in a situation or decision, often used when someone is avoiding taking a stance or responsibility

    Examples of On the fence

    • I'm still on the fence about whether to take the job offer or not.

      This idiom is used when someone is uncertain or undecided about something. It comes from the image of a person sitting on a fence, unable to make a choice or take a clear position on an issue. In this example, the speaker is unsure whether to accept the job offer or not.

    • The senator's stance on the issue is still on the fence.

      This idiom is used to describe someone who is not firmly committed to a particular position or viewpoint. It suggests that the person is indecisive or uncertain, and may change their mind in the future. In this example, the senator has not yet made a clear statement about their position on the issue.

    • After hearing both sides of the argument, I'm still on the fence.

      This idiom is used to describe someone who has considered all the available information but still cannot make a decision. It suggests that the person is weighing the pros and cons of each position and has not yet come to a conclusion. In this example, the speaker has listened to both sides of the argument but has not yet made up their mind.

    • The company is still on the fence about whether to invest in the new technology.

      This idiom is used to describe a situation where a decision has not yet been made. It suggests that the company is considering the possibility of investing in the new technology but has not yet committed to doing so. In this example, the company is still weighing the potential benefits and risks of investing in the new technology.

    • The coach is still on the fence about whether to start the rookie or the veteran player.

      This idiom is used to describe a situation where a decision has not yet been made by a person in a position of authority. It suggests that the coach is considering the options and has not yet made a final decision. In this example, the coach is deciding whether to start the rookie or the veteran player in the upcoming game.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "on the fence" refers to a state of being undecided or neutral. It can be used in a variety of contexts, but generally conveys a sense of being unsure or not fully committed to a particular course of action or belief.

    In the first meaning, being "on the fence" suggests a state of indecision or uncertainty. This can apply to personal decisions, such as choosing between two options, or to larger issues, such as taking a stance on a controversial topic. It can also be used to describe someone who is torn between two opposing viewpoints and cannot make a decision.

    The second meaning of "on the fence" implies a lack of commitment or involvement. This can be seen in situations where someone is avoiding taking a stance or responsibility, often for fear of negative consequences. It can also refer to someone who is not fully invested in a relationship or project.

    Origin of "On the fence"

    The origin of the idiom "on the fence" is not entirely clear, but it is believed to have originated in the United States in the early 1800s. The phrase may have been derived from the use of fences in livestock farming, where animals are kept in separate areas by fences. Being "on the fence" could have been used to describe a state of being in between two areas, without fully belonging to either one.

    Another possible origin comes from the game of chess, where the "fence" refers to the edge of the board. In the game, players may try to avoid making a move that would put their king in danger by staying "on the fence."

    Regardless of its exact origin, the idiom "on the fence" has become a commonly used phrase in everyday language. Its versatility allows it to be applied to a variety of situations where someone is unsure or uncommitted, making it a useful and relatable phrase for many people.