sit on the fence

1. To remain neutral, to refuse to take sides in a dispute; often used in a derogatory way about someone who lacks the courage to decide: “The councilman is afraid he'll lose votes if he takes sides on the zoning issue, but he can't sit on the fence forever.”

Example Sentences

I know everyone reading this will go for a 1-1 draw, but I don't like to sit on the fence for big games like this, and neither should you.

From BBC

The obvious prediction to go for is a draw – that’s what Kellie will go for, I’m sure, and I am going to sit on the fence too.

From BBC

"But I don't want to sit on the fence when it comes to the big games."

From BBC

The question has dominated boxing for the best part of a decade, and British fight fans rarely sit on the fence.

From BBC

“They need to be condemned and there’s no place to sit on the fence here: You’re either condemning it or you’re condoning it.”

From Washington Times

Related Words

• cease
• forgo
• pass up
• quit
• refrain
• renounce
• shun
• withhold