on the fence

fence  (fns)

n.

1. A structure serving as an enclosure, a barrier, or a boundary, usually made of posts or stakes joined together by boards, wire, or rails.

2. The art or sport of fencing.

3.

a. One who receives and sells stolen goods.

b. A place where stolen goods are received and sold.

4. Archaic A means of defense; a protection.

v. fenced, fenc·ing, fenc·es

v.tr.

1. To enclose with or as if with a fence. See Synonyms at enclose.

2. To separate or close off by or as if by means of a fence.

3.

a. To ward off; keep away.

b. To defend.

4. To sell (stolen goods) to a fence.

v.intr.

1. To practice the art or sport of fencing.

2. To use tactics similar to the parry and thrust of fencing.

3. To avoid giving direct answers; hedge.

4. To act as a conduit for stolen goods.

Idiom:

on the fence Informal

Undecided as to which of two sides to support; uncommitted or neutral.

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[Middle English fens, short for defens, defense; see defense.]

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fencer n.

Thesaurus

Adj.

1.

on the fence - characterized by indecision; "some who had been on the fence came out in favor of the plan"; "too many voters still declare they are undecided" undecided indecisive - characterized by lack of decision and firmness; "an indecisive manager brought the enterprise to a standstill"