on the fence
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective (Idiomatic Phrase) * Undecided or neutral, unwilling to commit to one side or opinion: The phrase "on the fence" describes a state of indecision or neutrality regarding an issue, argument, or choice between two or more options. A person "on the fence" has not yet made a decision or chosen a side.
Usage
This phrase is used to describe a person's position or state of mind regarding a decision, debate, or conflict. It implies hesitation and a lack of commitment.
Examples
- Adjective:
- I'm still on the fence about which university to attend.
- The committee members are on the fence, so we need more data to persuade them.
- She remained on the fence during the entire political debate, refusing to endorse either candidate.
Advanced Usage
- "To sit on the fence": This is a common verb form with the same meaning.
- He has been sitting on the fence for weeks instead of choosing a project.
- "To come off the fence": This means to finally make a decision or choose a side.
- After hearing the final arguments, several voters came off the fence and supported the proposal.
Variants and Related Words
- Fence-sitter (noun): A person who is on the fence; an undecided person.
- The debate was aimed at convincing the fence-sitters in the audience.
Synonyms
- Undecided
- Uncommitted
- Neutral
- Hesitant
- Ambivalent
- Torn
Antonyms
- Decided
- Committed
- Resolved
Related Idioms
- "To hedge one's bets": To avoid committing oneself in order to minimize loss. This is related but implies more active strategizing to avoid risk, whereas "on the fence" often describes simple indecision.
- He's hedging his bets by applying to jobs in different fields, while she's just on the fence about leaving her current one.
Adjective
- characterized by indecision
- some who had been on the fence came out in favor of the plan
- too many voters still declare they are undecided