English idiom · neutral · spoken & written · BrE & AmE

on the fence: meaning and examples

on the fence means unable to decide between two options.

Memory hook: Build a clear mental picture from “on the fence” and connect it to this meaning: unable to decide between two options.

How to use “on the fence”

Common mistake: Treat “on the fence” as a fixed expression. Notice its exact word order in the examples.

Learn it in context

This expression belongs to Lesson 9, where you can compare it with other idioms about decisions and practise it interactively.

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