Definition

Noun: A person who refuses to take sides or commit to a particular opinion, party, or course of action in a dispute or controversy; a neutral party.

Usage

The term "fence-sitter" is used to describe someone who remains deliberately neutral or undecided, often to avoid conflict, make a difficult choice, or wait to see which side becomes more advantageous. It typically carries a slightly negative connotation, implying indecisiveness or a lack of commitment.

Examples

• The politician was criticized for being a fence-sitter on the key issue, refusing to clearly support or oppose the new law.
• Don't be a fence-sitter in this debate; we need to know your opinion to make a decision.
• During the family argument, he remained a fence-sitter, not wanting to upset either his mother or his wife.

Advanced Usage

• "To sit on the fence": This is the verbal phrase from which the noun "fence-sitter" is derived. It means to remain neutral or undecided.
  • Example: "You can't sit on the fence forever; you must choose a side eventually."

Variants and Related Words

• Fence-sitting (noun): The act or practice of remaining neutral.
  • Example: "His constant fence-sitting frustrates everyone who wants a clear direction."
• On the fence (idiomatic phrase): In a state of indecision or neutrality.
  • Example: "I'm still on the fence about which university to attend."

Synonyms

• Neutral
• Undecided person
• Non-partisan
• Uncommitted person
• Vacillator (one who wavers in opinion)

Antonyms

• Partisan
• Advocate
• Decisive person
• Zealot

Related Idioms

• "To straddle the fence": A synonym for "to sit on the fence," emphasizing the attempt to be on both sides at once.
  • Example: "The candidate tried to straddle the fence on the tax issue, pleasing no one."

Noun

1. a person who won't take sides in a controversy