Definition
Sitting on the Fence (phr.): To be undecided or uncommitted, often remaining neutral until circumstances make one’s choice apparent. Imagery invokes straddling a physical barrier, metaphorically illustrating indecision.
Synonyms:
- Straddling the fence
- Waffling
- Remaining neutral
- Hedge-sitting
- On the fence
Antonyms:
- Taking sides
- Committing
- Taking a stand
- Choosing a side
- Decisiveness
Related and Similar Terms:
- Fence Rider – One who wavers between decisions.
- Hedging One’s Bets – Playing it safe by making non-committal choices.
- Weathervane – Someone who shifts opinions to align with prevailing winds.
- Sitting Pretty – Happy to maintain a comfortable, non-committed status.
Idioms:
- Between a rock and a hard place – Stuck between two difficult choices.
- Flip-flopping – Changing one’s opinion frequently.
Proverbs:
- “He who hesitates is lost.” – Encourages prompt decision-making.
- “Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today.” – Procrastination is not recommended.
References in Literature, Songs, and Movies:
- Literature: In George Orwell’s 1984, the character Winston Smith often finds himself vacillating between rebellion and complacency within the totalitarian regime.
- Books: Mark Twain in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn depicts Huck in constant indecision about aiding the runaway slave Jim.
- Songs: Bob Dylan’s “Like a Rolling Stone,” captures the feeling of indecision and surrendering to fate.
- Movies: In the film Casablanca, Rick is portrayed as a fence-sitter, avoiding commitment until circumstances force his hand.
Inspirational Quotes:
- “Indecision is the seedling of fear.” – Napoleon Hill
- “When you cannot make up your mind which of the two evenly balanced courses of action you should take – choose the bolder.” – W. J. Slim
Humorous Quotes:
- “Why do people sit on the fence? Because it gives them a…lofty perspective!” – Unknown
- “Sitting on the fence is a great place to see both sides—it’s also a great way to get a splinter!” – An Anonymous Waffle
### Which idiom best describes someone who is undecided?
- [x] Sitting on the fence
- [ ] Answering every riddle
- [ ] Juggling marble plates
- [ ] Riding a friendly giraffe
> **Explanation:** "Sitting on the fence" is definitely the correct idiom for describing indecision, unlike the carefree absurdity of our other choices.
### What’s another way of saying ‘Sitting on the fence’?
- [ ] Swimming in glacial rivers
- [ ] Eating cake with chopsticks
- [x] Hedging one’s bets
- [ ] Singing underwater
> **Explanation:** "Hedging one’s bets" conveys a similar idea of avoiding a firm commitment, whereas the others are just creatively nonsensical.
### True or False: 'Fence rider' refers to an actual physical stunt.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** False. While "fence rider" might sound like some daredevil act, it metaphorically refers to someone who cannot decide which side to align with.
Until next time, brave soul of indecision, remember that the fence might offer a good view, but every so often, you’ve got to decide which way to jump! 🌟
Ima Hedger
October 2023
