What does the phrase on the fence mean?

on the fence. 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.

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In this way, where does the phrase on the fence come from?

Metaphorically, sitting on the fence is straddling the position between two ideas without committing to either of them. The origin of the idiom 'on the fence' has its roots in Middle English, when the word 'fens', short for 'defens' was originated.

Similarly, what does not on the fence mean? on the fence. Not making a decision or taking a side when presented with two options or possibilities; undecided. You can't stay on the fence any longer—you need to choose which of the two candidates we should hire.

Moreover, what does get off the fence mean?

This is an offshoot of the phrase “to sit on the fence”, meaning not to take any sides in a discussion or debate. “To get off the fence” therefore means to stop sitting on the fence and select a side in an argument. Let's say you and two other friends are talking about fashion. A says fashion sense is important.

What does open up a can of worms mean?

Metaphorically speaking, to open a can of worms is to examine or attempt to solve some problem, only to inadvertently complicate it and create even more trouble. Literally speaking, opening a can of worms, as most fishermen can attest, can also mean more trouble than you bargained for.

Related Question Answers

What does riding the fence mean?

on the fence. 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.

Why do they say sick as a dog?

The phrase “sick as a dog” is credited as first being used back in 1705, probably in Europe. In this time period, dogs were not seen as the human companions they are now. Back in these days, disease and misfortune was as easily blamed on stray dogs as it was anything else.

What does off the hook mean slang?

Meaning of the phrase 'Off the Hook': When you are freed from an obligation, you're said to be 'off the hook.' Example of Use: “You're lucky; it turns out that Dad never heard you come in late last night.” Answer: “Great, that means I'm off the hook!”

What does playing both sides of the fence mean?

It's something like "hedging your bets." (He works both sides of the fence. NOT He works on both sides of the fence.) In a contest/argument/etc. a person is usually on one side or the other --- a member of one team or the other.

What does the idiom When Pigs Fly mean?

The phrase 'When Pigs Fly' refers to something that is highly unlikely to ever happen. Example of use: “I might wake up early tomorrow to clean my room”. “Yes, you'll do that when pigs fly”.

What does blowing your own trumpet mean?

Definition of blow one's own trumpet British, informal. : to talk about oneself or one's achievements especially in a way that shows that one is proud or too proud He had a very successful year and has every right to blow his own trumpet.

What does it mean an arm and a leg?

an arm and a leg. phrase. If you say that something costs an arm and a leg, you mean that it is very expensive. [informal] A week at a health farm can cost an arm and a leg.

What does the idiom bury the hatchet mean?

bury the hatchet. Meaning: make peace; end a quarrel, settle one's differences to become friends again. Example 1: The two neighboring countries India and Pakistan have often been advised by the world bodies to bury the hatchet for their own progress.

How many pages is on the fence by Kasie West?

By Kasie West

With three older brothers, sixteen-year-old Charlie has always been more comfortable calling the shots on a basketball court than flirting with boys.

By Kasie West.

Genre Fiction
ISBN 13 9780545833295
Format Paperback Book
Pages 304

What does the idiom get the last laugh?

have the last laugh. to succeed when others thought you would not: She was fired from the company last year, but she had the last laugh when she was hired by their main rival at twice the salary.

What does the idiom she was walking on air mean?

walk on air. to feel extremely excited or happy: After the delivery of her baby, she was walking on air. Feeling pleasure and happiness. (as) pleased as Punch idiom.

What does in a bind mean?

in a bind. Also, in a box or hole or jam or tight corner or tight spot . In a difficult, threatening, or embarrassing position; also, unable to solve a dilemma.

What does being in the dog house mean?

in the doghouse. in a situation in which someone is angry at you for something you did or did not do: If I don't do something for Mother's Day, I'll really be in the doghouse.

Where does the phrase open up a can of worms come from?

The exact origin of the phrase is not completely known, but general consensus traces it back to the 1950s in the United States and literal cans of worms. Fisherman used to buy sealed metal cans of earthworms, as opposed to the plastic containers or Styrofoam cups of today.

What is a can of worms mean?

a can of worms. phrase. If you say that someone is opening a can of worms, you are warning them that they are planning to do or talk about something that is much more complicated, unpleasant, or difficult than they realize and that might be better left alone.

Can open worms everywhere friends?

Can open, worms everywhere. Chandler is referencing the idiom 'to open up a can of worms' in a creative way. The expression means that a lot more problems are being created by doing something.

Can worms talk?

Earthworms only communicate with each other by touch and taste, but they can feel vibrations, and often avoid predators by sensing their footsteps. They can also sense light and moisture in the air.

Where does the expression until the cows come home come from?

The origin of the phrase 'til the cows come home' comes from the practice of cows returning to their shelters at some indefinite point, usually at a slow, languid pace.

Can of worms in a sentence?

Example Sentences The can of worms was wide open when he asked her about her past. I am not opening a can of worms by answering that question. To get into that discussion would mean to open a can of worms. The family has many can of worms so it is best to not ask them any personal questions.

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