To be on the fence

To be on the fence
Fence Fence (f[e^]ns), n. [Abbrev. from defence.] 1. That which fends off attack or danger; a defense; a protection; a cover; security; shield. [1913 Webster]

Let us be backed with God and with the seas, Which he hath given for fence impregnable. --Shak. [1913 Webster]

A fence betwixt us and the victor's wrath. --Addison. [1913 Webster]

2. An inclosure about a field or other space, or about any object; especially, an inclosing structure of wood, iron, or other material, intended to prevent intrusion from without or straying from within. [1913 Webster]

Leaps o'er the fence with ease into the fold. --Milton. [1913 Webster]

Note: In England a hedge, ditch, or wall, as well as a structure of boards, palings, or rails, is called a fence. [1913 Webster]

3. (Locks) A projection on the bolt, which passes through the tumbler gates in locking and unlocking. [1913 Webster]

4. Self-defense by the use of the sword; the art and practice of fencing and sword play; hence, skill in debate and repartee. See {Fencing}. [1913 Webster]

Enjoy your dear wit, and gay rhetoric, That hath so well been taught her dazzing fence. --Milton. [1913 Webster]

Of dauntless courage and consummate skill in fence. --Macaulay. [1913 Webster]

5. A receiver of stolen goods, or a place where they are received. [Slang] --Mayhew. [1913 Webster]

{Fence month} (Forest Law), the month in which female deer are fawning, when hunting is prohibited. --Bullokar.

{Fence roof}, a covering for defense. ``They fitted their shields close to one another in manner of a fence roof.'' --Holland.

{Fence time}, the breeding time of fish or game, when they should not be killed.

{Rail fence}, a fence made of rails, sometimes supported by posts.

{Ring fence}, a fence which encircles a large area, or a whole estate, within one inclosure.

{Worm fence}, a zigzag fence composed of rails crossing one another at their ends; -- called also {snake fence}, or {Virginia rail fence}.

{To be on the fence}, to be undecided or uncommitted in respect to two opposing parties or policies. [Colloq.] [1913 Webster]


The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.

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  • The Hole in the Fence — (ISBN 9780660105185, 1976) is an anthology like storybook, starring a series of vegetable characters. Published in Canada by authority of the Canadian Minister of National Health and Welfare, it was a project of the Health Promotion Directorate,… …   Wikipedia

  • The Fence — (Бентота,Шри Ланка) Категория отеля: Адрес: Katukoliha , Induruwa, 80510 Бентота, Шри Лан …   Каталог отелей

  • (the) grass is always greener (on the other side of the fence). — The grass is always greener (on the other side of the fence). something that you say which means that other people always seem to be in a better situation than you, although they may not be. And when I haven t been out for a while I start to envy …   New idioms dictionary

  • the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence — ► the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence proverb other people s lives or situations always seem better than your own. Main Entry: ↑grass …   English terms dictionary

  • (the) grass is (always) greener on the other side (of the fence) — the grass is (always) greener on the other side (of the fence) idiom (saying) said about people who never seem happy with what they have and always think that other people have a better situation than they have Main entry: ↑grassidiom …   Useful english dictionary

  • the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence — proverb other people s lives or situations always seem better than one s own * * * the grass is always greener on the other side (of the fence) see ↑grass, 1 • • • Main Entry: ↑fence the grass is always greener on the other side (of the fence)… …   Useful english dictionary

  • the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence — Cf. OVID Ars Amatoria I. 349 fertilior seges est alienis semper in agris, the harvest is always more fruitful in another man’s fields. 1959 H. & M. WILLIAMS in J. C. Trewin Plays of Year XIX. 13 (title) The grass is greener. 1965 Which? Mar. 91… …   Proverbs new dictionary

  • the grass is greener on the other side of the fence — things look better from a distance, it is natural to desire a neighbor s things    When you look at other homes, the grass is often greener on the other side of the fence …   English idioms

  • on the fence — See sitting on the fence …   Thesaurus of popular words

  • Neverender: Children of The Fence Edition — Box set by Coheed and Cambria Released March 24, 2009 …   Wikipedia

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