on the fence

fence

F0077100 (fĕns)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. An adjustable guide with a flat edge used on a table saw and positioned parallel to the plane of the cutting attachment in order to keep the board properly positioned for the cut to be made at the correct distance from the board's edge.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 surround or enclose with a fence or other barrier. See Synonyms at enclose.2. To separate or keep out by means of a fence or other barrier: fenced off one field from another; fenced out the deer from the garden.3. To sell (stolen goods) to a fence.4. Archaic a. To ward off; keep away.b. To defend.v.intr.1. To practice the art or sport of fencing.2. To avoid giving direct answers; hedge.3. 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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fenc′er 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"undecidedindecisive - characterized by lack of decision and firmness; "an indecisive manager brought the enterprise to a standstill"

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