What does playing the fence mean?

on the fence. If you're on the fence, you can't decide something. You're torn between two options. If you're standing at the ice cream counter, not sure if you should get chocolate or vanilla, you're on the fence. Being on the fence means you really just can't decide.

Likewise, people ask, what does both sides of the fence mean?

side of the fence A particular position or point of view in an argument or topic of debate. We may be on different sides of the fence about this issue, but that doesn't mean we can't work together. Senators will have to decide which side of the fence they're sitting on when the bill comes up for a vote next month.

Also, what does off the fence mean? This is an offshoot of the phrase “to sit on the fence”, meaning not to take any sides in a discussion or debate. “To get off the fence” therefore means to stop sitting on the fence and select a side in an argument. Let's say you and two other friends are talking about fashion. A says fashion sense is important.

Hereof, can't play both sides of the fence?

If play both sides of the fence you will never make progress. Dont play both sides of the fence because one day your leg is going to get caught trying to get over on the other side.

What does it mean to play both sides against the middle?

play both sides against the middle. (idiomatic) To manipulate opponents or competitors in a manner which benefits the manipulator.

What do you call someone who plays both sides?

ambidextrous. Ambidextrous people have the ability to use both hands with equal dexterity. Coming from the Latin word ambidexter, which means “right-handed on both sides,” ambidextrous describes someone who can use either hand to write, swing a bat or catch a ball.

Where did the idiom on the fence come from?

Metaphorically, sitting on the fence is straddling the position between two ideas without committing to either of them. The origin of the idiom 'on the fence' has its roots in Middle English, when the word 'fens', short for 'defens' was originated.

What does it mean to be on both sides?

Definition of on both sides. —used to refer to the people who support a position together with the people who support the opposing positionPeople on both sides of the dispute agree that changes are necessary.