Sitting on the fence
"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.[1] This is done either in order to remain on good terms with both sides, or due to apathy regarding the situation and not wanting to choose a position with which one doesn't actually agree.[2] As a result, someone who "sits on the fence" will maintain a neutral and non-committal view regarding any of the other parties involved.
See also[]
- Ambivalence
- Cold feet
- Mugwump
References[]
- ^ The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy. p. 78. Retrieved June 20, 2012.
- ^ "sit on the fence". Retrieved June 20, 2012.
Categories:
- English-language idioms