[Idiom] ON THE FENCE. - How to Talk About Indecision in Everyday American English
On the fence.
Undecided or neutral.
Sitting 'On the fence' is a colloquial way to describe someone who remains neutral, avoiding to lean towards any side of a dispute or decision. This idiom creates an image of a person straddling a fence, not deciding which side to jump down to. It’s particularly useful when discussing politics, opinions, or any situation where choices are polarized. The beauty of this expression lies in its ability to vividly describe the discomfort and uncertainty of indecision. It can be applied in various scenarios where an individual just can't make up their mind, illustrating the struggle of being pulled in multiple directions without committing to any.
Example Sentences
He's on the fence about taking the new job.
He's undecided about taking the new job.
Being on the fence, she couldn't decide on the issue.
Being undecided, she couldn't make a decision on the issue.
They were on the fence about purchasing the new house.
They were undecided about purchasing the new house.