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What does “sit on the fence” mean?
Meaning, example sentence and a quick practice question.
C1
To avoid choosing a side or making a decision
“He's been sitting on the fence about the move for months.”
Say it smoothly: “si-ton-thuh-fence”
From the C1 lesson On the Fence (decision idioms).
Quick check
What does “sit on the fence” mean?
Teaching this phrase?“sit on the fence” is part of a ready-to-teach lesson, with a reading, three exercises, speaking tasks and an answer key, in Everyday English Chunks C1 Pack 4 (Communication, Decisions and Habits).
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Related phrases
- jump the gunto act too soon, before the right moment
- cross that bridge when you come to itto deal with a problem only when it actually happens, not before
- the lesser of two evilsthe less bad of two unpleasant options
- burn your bridgesto damage a relationship or opportunity so badly it can't be repaired
- have a change of heartto change your mind or feelings about a decision
- think twice about somethingto reconsider something carefully before doing it
- err on the side of cautionto choose the safer option when unsure
- take the road less traveledto choose an unconventional path rather than the usual one
- second-guess yourselfto doubt a decision you've already made