sit on the fence
Meaning: To avoid taking sides.
Language: English
Literally: (Already vivid in English)
Example: “On the new stadium, the mayor is still sitting on the fence.”
Category: Daily Life
Origin: A fence divides two fields, and someone sitting on it is in neither. American political writing used it from the early 19th century for politicians who would not commit.
Equivalents in other languages
- Spanish: estar entre dos aguas — literally: to be between two waters
- French: Nager entre deux eaux — literally: To swim between two waters
More idioms — Daily Life
- take an ax to — To cut something drastically, especially spending or jobs.
- in the crosshairs — Targeted for attack, criticism or scrutiny.
- raise a hue and cry — To make a loud public protest.
- a Sophie's choice — An agonizing choice between two terrible options.
- at someone's beck and call — Always ready to obey someone's orders.
- set one's cap at — To try to attract someone as a romantic partner (dated).
More English idioms
- the four corners of the earth — Every part of the world.
- hand in hand — Closely together; in close association.
- butter wouldn't melt in someone's mouth — Someone looks innocent or proper, but probably is not.
- have the inside track — To have an advantage over others.
- a horn of plenty — An abundant source of something.
- kicking and screaming — Very reluctantly, protesting all the way.
From our untranslatable words
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