What does playing the fence mean?
4 min read
Asked by: Philip Persing
“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.
What does on the fence mean slang?
If you’re on the fence, you can’t decide something. You’re torn between two options. If you’re standing at the ice cream counter, not sure if you should get chocolate or vanilla, you’re on the fence. Being on the fence means you really just can’t decide.
What does it mean to ride the fence?
“Riding the fences” was one of a cowboy’s tasks: to ride around the perimeter of a property, making sure the fences were in good repair so the cattle couldn’t get out or thieves get in.
What does it mean to be playing both sides of the fence?
A particular position or point of view in an argument or topic of debate. We may be on different sides of the fence about this issue, but that doesn’t mean we can’t work together.
Where did the expression on the fence come from?
The origin of the idiom ‘on the fence’ has its roots in Middle English, when the word ‘fens’, short for ‘defens’ was originated. Later, an “e” was added to the term to form the word defense as it is used today.
What does off the hook mean slang?
Definition of let (someone) off the hook
: to allow (someone who has been caught doing something wrong or illegal) to go without being punished If you ask me, they let him off the hook too easily.
How do you spell straddle the fence?
“Straddle the fence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/straddle%20the%20fence.
What is another way to say on the fence?
What is another word for on the fence?
| ambivalent | borderline |
|---|---|
| equivocal | hesitant |
| iffy | impartial |
| indecisive | irresolute |
| neutral | noncommittal |
What does it mean to be as sick as a dog?
very sick
Definition of sick as a dog
informal. : very sick.
Are you 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.
Can of Worms meaning?
Definition of open a can of worms
: to create a complicated situation in which doing something to correct a problem leads to many more problems Our boss is reluctant to change the policy now because she doesn’t want to open a can of worms.
What is piece of cake mean?
something easily done
Definition of piece of cake
: something easily done : cinch, breeze.
What does like two peas in a pod mean?
very similar to
Definition of two peas in a pod
—used to say that two people or things are very similar to each other My brother and I are two peas in a pod.
What does the rest is just gravy mean?
easy and straightforward
Meaning: If the rest is gravy, it is easy and straightforward once you have reached that stage.
What does hitting the road mean?
to leave a place or begin a trip: I’d love to stay longer but I must be hitting the road.
What does rocking the boat mean?
Disturb a stable situation, as in An easygoing manager, he won’t rock the boat unless it’s absolutely necessary. This idiom alludes to capsizing a small vessel, such as a canoe, by moving about in it too violently. [ Colloquial; early 1900s]
What is the meaning of ants in your pants?
extremely restless, uneasy, impatient
Be extremely restless, uneasy, impatient, or anxious, as in This child just can’t sit still; she must have ants in her pants. This rhyming idiom calls up a vivid image of what might cause one to be jumpy. [ Slang; 1920s] 2.
