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what is the meaning of the idiom to sit on the fence

by Fay Haag Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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The idiom “ Sit on the Fence ” means to be in confusion between two options, hence delay in selection. Describe the important decision you have made. Try to use this idiom in your speech.

remain neutral

Full Answer

What is meaning of sitting on the fence idiom?

  • is a continuous function in the following cases sun
  • breathing ( till the breathing exists )
  • heart pumping blood
  • sun never sets ( but the day and night concept

What is the meaning of the idiom on the fence?

The idiom, on the fence, is used when someone is undecided or unsure. It can also mean that a person doesn’t want to make a choice. This expression is informal. Mostly family and friends use this idiom. You might hear it around the office. It is not an idiom that has any harsh undertones or is offensive.

What does it mean to be "on the fence"?

on the fence, to be/sit To be undecided or uncommitted. This term dates from the early nineteenth century and conjures up the image of a person who cannot or will not decide to which side of the fence to jump.

What is the origin of sitting on the fence?

sit on the fence

  • Meaning
  • Example Sentences. Has he decided which offer he is going to accept or is he still sitting on the fence? ...
  • Origin. The origin of this phrase has its roots in Middle English, but has been in popular use since the 1800s.

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What is the sentence of sit on the fence?

Example Sentences It would be good if you stop sitting on the fence and choose whose side you are on. He did not want to say no to either of them, so he was just sitting on the fence. She did not know whether to say yes or no to the proposal, she was sitting on the fence.

What is the origin of the idiom sit on the fence?

The term came from the Algonquin 'Mugquomp', meaning 'important person'. The term was not used as a mark of respect, but of derision. They were described by their opponents as birds sitting on a fence, with their mug on one side and their wump on the other.

What are examples of idioms?

Common Idioms in EnglishGetting fired turned out to be a blessing in disguise. ... These red poppies are a dime a dozen. ... Don't beat around the bush. ... After some reflection, he decided to bite the bullet. ... I'm going to call it a night. ... He's got a chip on his shoulder. ... Would you cut me some slack? - Don't be so hard on me.More items...

What is another way to say on the fence?

What is another word for on the fence?ambivalentborderlinedebatabledividedequivocalhesitantiffyimpartialindecisiveirresolute119 more rows

What does "sit on the fence" mean?

sit on the fence. To not make a decision or take a side when presented with two or more options or possibilities. You can't sit on the fence any longer—you need to choose who of these two we need to fire. The government has been sitting on the fence about legalizing marijuana for the past several years. See also: fence, on, sit.

What does "fenceriding" mean?

To be undecided or uncommitted. This term dates from the early nineteenth century and conjures up the image of a person who cannot or will not decide to which side of the fence to jump. At first the term was most frequently applied to politics—that is, which candidate or party one would support—and indeed it was even so defined in John Bartlett’s 1859 Dictionary of Americanisms: “Fenceriding: The practice of ‘sitting on the fence,’ or remaining neutral in a political contest until it can be seen ‘which way the cat is going to jump.’” Subsequently the term began to be applied to any kind of hedging.

What are the two sides of a fence?

The two sides of a fence are seen here as representing the two opposing or conflicting positions or interests involved in a particular debate or situation.

What does "sit up and take notice" mean?

sit up and take notice, to (make someone)

Can you sit on the fence all your life?

You can’t sit on the fence all your life. ♢ Politicians cannot sit on the fence. People expect them to have clear views. OPPOSITE: take sides ▶ ˈfence-sitter noun a person who cannot or does not want to decide which side of an argument, etc. to support. See also: fence, on, sit.

What does "sit on the fence" mean?

To not make a decision or take a side when presented with two or more options or possibilities. You can't sit on the fence any longer—you need to choose who of these two we need to fire. The government has been sitting on the fence about legalizing marijuana for the past several years.

What does "fenceriding" mean?

To be undecided or uncommitted. This term dates from the early nineteenth century and conjures up the image of a person who cannot or will not decide to which side of the fence to jump. At first the term was most frequently applied to politics—that is, which candidate or party one would support—and indeed it was even so defined in John Bartlett’s 1859 Dictionary of Americanisms: “Fenceriding: The practice of ‘sitting on the fence,’ or remaining neutral in a political contest until it can be seen ‘which way the cat is going to jump.’” Subsequently the term began to be applied to any kind of hedging.

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1.Sit on the fence - Idioms by The Free Dictionary

Url:https://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/sit+on+the+fence

18 hours ago Definition of sit on the fence in the Idioms Dictionary. sit on the fence phrase. What does sit on the fence expression mean? Definitions by the largest Idiom Dictionary.

2.Sitting on the fence - Idioms by The Free Dictionary

Url:https://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/sitting+on+the+fence

14 hours ago sit on the fence. Fig. not to take sides in a dispute; not to make a clear choice between two possibilities. (Fig. on the image of someone straddling a fence, representing indecision.) When Jane and Tom argue, it is best to sit on the fence and not make either of them angry.

3.Videos of What Is the Meaning of the Idiom To Sit on the Fence

Url:/videos/search?q=what+is+the+meaning+of+the+idiom+to+sit+on+the+fence&qpvt=what+is+the+meaning+of+the+idiom+to+sit+on+the+fence&FORM=VDRE

8 hours ago Fig. not to take sides in a dispute; not to make a clear choice between two possibilities. (Fig. on the image of someone straddling a fence, representing indecision.) When Jane and Tom argue, it is best to sit on the fence and not make either of them angry. No one knows which of the candidates Joan will vote for.

4.To sit on the fence - Idioms by The Free Dictionary

Url:https://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/to+sit+on+the+fence

1 hours ago sit on the fence meaning: 1. to delay making a decision: 2. to delay making a decision: . Learn more.

5.SIT ON THE FENCE | definition in the Cambridge English …

Url:https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/sit-on-the-fence

5 hours ago To remain neutral, to refuse to take sides in a dispute; often used in a derogatory way about someone who lacks the courage to decide: “The councilman is afraid he'll lose votes if he takes …

6.Sit on the fence Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com

Url:https://www.dictionary.com/browse/sit-on-the-fence

30 hours ago "Sitting on the fence" is a common idiom used in English to describe a person's lack of decisiveness, neutrality or hesitance to choose between two sides in an argument or a competition, or inability to decide due to lack of courage. This term is often used in a derogatory way about someone who lacks the courage to decide.

7.What is the idiomatic meaning of "sitting on the fence"?

Url:https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-idiomatic-meaning-of-sitting-on-the-fence

26 hours ago Definition of I am sitting on the fence in the Idioms Dictionary. I am sitting on the fence phrase. What does I am sitting on the fence expression mean? Definitions by the largest Idiom Dictionary. I am sitting on the fence - Idioms by The Free Dictionary.

8.I am sitting on the fence - Idioms by The Free Dictionary

Url:https://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/I+am+sitting+on+the+fence

10 hours ago be sitting on the fence. To be unable or unwilling to commit to a decision or a side when presented with two or more options or possibilities. No, we haven't chosen an applicant yet—the boss is sitting on the fence.

9.He's sitting on the fence - Idioms by The Free Dictionary

Url:https://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/he%27s+sitting+on+the+fence

11 hours ago  · The phrase ″sitting on the fence″ is a common English idiom that is used to represent a person’s lack of decisiveness, neutrality, or hesitance to choose between two sides in a debate or a competition, or inability to decide as a result of a lack of bravery.

10.What is the meaning of this idiom, "He is accused of …

Url:https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-meaning-of-this-idiom-He-is-accused-of-sitting-on-the-fence

21 hours ago “Sitting on the fence” means not deciding in favor of one opinion or option over another; for example, “He sits on the fence about military spending because he refuses to define himself as a hawk or a dove.” [Note: Hawks are in favor of a strong military posture and doves are in favor of supporting peace.]

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