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[1161] On the fence

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English Idioms
All Idioms

Explanation

  • Undecided or neutral about something; unable or unwilling to commit to one side or option over another.

Origin

  • This idiom evokes the literal image of someone sitting atop a fence that divides two properties or areas.
  • Being physically on the fence means you are in neither one area nor the other.
  • Metaphorically, it represents a state of indecision, being caught between two choices, or sometimes deliberately remaining neutral in a dispute.

Synonyms & Related Expressions

  • Undecided
  • Unsure
  • Torn (Often implies difficulty choosing between two appealing or significant options)
  • In two minds (Especially UK)
  • Sitting on the fence (Can imply deliberate neutrality or avoidance of commitment)
  • Ambivalent
  • Wavering
  • Caught in the middle (Often implies being pressured by two sides)

Alternatives

Slang/Informal:

  • Can't make up my mind
  • Waffling (Often implies changing one's mind back and forth, indecisively)
  • Um-ing and ah-ing (UK/Aus Hesitating verbally)
  • Flip-flopping (Changing decisions frequently, often seen negatively)

Vulgar/Emphatic:

  • (No common vulgar alternatives specifically for being undecided)

Milder/Formal:

  • Undecided
  • Considering the options
  • Yet to reach a conclusion
  • Maintaining neutrality (If about taking sides)

Situational Appropriateness

  • Appropriate for informal and semi-formal contexts.
  • Can be used in professional settings to express uncertainty about a decision, but prolonged indecision might be viewed negatively if a choice is needed.

Misunderstanding Warnings

  • The metaphorical meaning is generally clear. Non-native speakers should grasp it relates to indecision, not literal fences.

Examples

  • I'm on the fence about whether to travel this summer or save the money.
  • Many voters remain on the fence ahead of the election.
  • She was on the fence between accepting the promotion or looking for a new job.

Dialogue

Alex: Have you decided which car you're going to buy?

Ben: Ugh, no, I'm still on the fence. The sedan is more practical, but the sports car is so much more fun.

Alex: That's a tough one! Have you test-driven both?

Ben: Yeah, and that just made me more on the fence!

Social Media Examples

  • Poll Tweet: Which phone should I get? iPhone or Android? Totally on the fence! Help me decide! #TechDecisions #Undecided
  • Facebook Status: Thinking about cutting my hair short, but I'm completely on the fence. Yay or nay? 🤔 #haircut #decisions
  • Reddit Comment: Regarding the proposed changes, I'm on the fence. I see the potential benefits but also worry about the risks. #neutral

Response Patterns

  • Encouragement to decide: Well, you need to make a choice soon.
  • Inquiry: What are the pros and cons you're weighing? / What's holding you back?
  • Offering advice: If I were you, I'd choose...
  • Impatience (less common): Just pick one already!
  • Acknowledgment: Okay, let me know when you decide.

Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

After someone says they are on the fence:

  • What are the options you're considering?
  • What makes it a difficult decision?
  • Are you leaning one way or the other?
  • Offering to discuss the options to help them decide.

The person on the fence might:

  • Elaborate on their dilemma.
  • Ask for advice.
  • State when they expect to decide.

Conversation Starter

  • No. Describes a state of indecision, usually in response to a question about a choice or opinion.

Intonation

  • Emphasis often on fence. On the FENCE.
  • The tone usually reflects genuine uncertainty, deliberation, or sometimes hesitation.

Generation Differences

  • Widely understood and used by all generations.

Regional Variations

  • Common across English-speaking regions.
  • In two minds is a frequent alternative in the UK and Ireland.
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