sit on the fence

sit on the fence

Fig. not to take sides in a dispute; not to make a clear choice between two possibilities. (Fig. on the image of someone straddling a fence, representing indecision.) When Jane and Tom argue, it is best to sit on the fence and not make either of them angry. No one knows which of the candidates Joan will vote for. She's sitting on the fence.

See also: fence, sit

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sit on the fence

to delay making a decision when you have to choose between two sides in an argument or a competition She criticized members of the committee for sitting on the fence and failing to make a useful contribution to the debate.

See also: fence, sit