. If you was to tackle this fence and anything was to happen to it , Oh, shucks, Ill be just as careful. Ann is on the fence about going to Mexico. Detailing the damage, the star told his 3.2 million followers: "I just . Ship up to back! Bringing water from the town pump had always been hateful work in Toms eyes, before, but now it did not strike him so. Dats a mighty gay marvel, I tell you! See also: fence, on Taking to Twitter to own up to the mishap, James admitted he had "just reversed my Land Rover into a man's fence".. 11 (Hamlin) ran us up in the fence and once you tear the right side off these things it's kind of over. And while the late steamer Big Missouri worked and sweated in the sun, the retired artist sat on a barrel in the shade close by, dangled his legs, munched his apple, and planned the slaughter of more innocents. Lyons spends his nights in the jazz clubs as a musician. Get out that head-line! Thats the way she always talks. Ting-a-ling-ling! Enjoyed reading about this idiom? Various politicians have been referenced by the joke or used the joke, including Bill Clinton, [1] George W Bush, [2 . When 'thingamajig' and 'thingamabob' just won't do, A simple way to keep them apart. If you want a fence that stays up and looks nice, put it on your own property and maintain it yourself. https://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/on+the+fence. Learn a new word every day. Example: "Has he decided whether he will take the job yet?" Answer: "No, he's still on the fence ." You are on the fence until you commit yourself and make a decision. Well, I dont see why I oughtnt to like it. https://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/he+is+on+the+fence+about. Accordingly, we provide you with all hints and cheats and needed answers to accomplish the required crossword and find a final solution phrase. Soon the free boys would come tripping along on all sorts of delicious expeditions, and they would make a world of fun of him for having to work the very thought of it burnt him like fire. unusual and exciting because of coming (or seeming to come) from far away, especially a tropical country, On its last legs (Describing the condition of objects, Part 1), Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2023. This is just the latest in a string of complaints Cuban has lobbied against Twitter. And when the middle of the afternoon came, from being a poor poverty-stricken boy in the morning, Tom was literally rolling in wealth. sht! 0 && stateHdr.searchDesk ? He says he does, and I agreed, but I feel like it's maybe unfair if I am lacking strong feelings. 2022 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved. She talks awful, but talk dont hurt anyways it dont if she dont cry. I only answer when I'm drunk to the lees. PBS is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. . 2023 Grammarist, a Found First Marketing company. If you sit on the fence, you avoid supporting a particular side in a discussion or argument. Find the paperwork To be entirely sure, however, you will need to check the title deeds for your house. Yarborough refers to post turtles in the context of seeming anomalies in nature and regards them as proof of the existence of God, specifically of God trying to get our attention. You are wrong. She say she spec Mars Tom gwine to ax me to whitewash, an so she tole me go long an tend to my own business she lowed shed tend to de whitewashin., Oh, never you mind what she said, Jim. You are in the right place and time to meet your ambition. If my fence is two feet inside my property line, . Being on the fence doesnt involve any physical balancing act. I wouldn't be on the fence. The term on the fence comes from American English and dates back to the early 19th century. Ting-a-ling-ling! The headway ran almost out, and he drew up slowly toward the sidewalk. Any of these words and phrases will hold the same meaning in place of the phrase on the fence. The senator has been on the fence about the issue for years. Access to New Alzheimer's Drugs Might Depend on Where You Live. Even after all these years, Im still on the fence about which publishing route to follow. What is Proper Fence Etiquette? He had besides the things before mentioned, twelve marbles,part of a jews-harp, a piece of blue bottle-glass to look through, a spool cannon, a key that wouldnt unlock anything, a fragment of chalk, a glass stopper of a decanter, a tin soldier, a couple of tadpoles, six fire-crackers, a kitten with only one eye, a brass door-knob, a dog-collar but no dog the handle of a knife, four pieces of orange-peel, and a dilapidated old window sash. When you buy via the links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. There are several unspoken rules you should follow to maintain a civil relationship with your neighbors, and follow town rules. Delivered to your inbox! The jury was on the fence about the defendants guilt, leading to a lengthy deliberation to ensure their verdict was a good one. To save this word, you'll need to log in. (Most of the time.). Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. unusual and exciting because of coming (or seeming to come) from far away, especially a tropical country, On its last legs (Describing the condition of objects, Part 1), Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2023. Various politicians have been referenced by the joke or used the joke, including Bill Clinton,[1] George W Bush,[2] Barack Obama,[3] Donald Trump,[4] and Joe Biden.[5]. Theyre caught in the middle, unable to pick a side, like a spectator perched on a fence watching two sides of an argument. Jim came skipping out at the gate with a tin pail, and singing Buffalo Gals. Candace has a keen eye for content editing and a high degree of expertise in Fiction. When you find yourself thinking about ending a relationship, take a step back and imagine if there is anything that could magically change to make you want to stay. When it came to choosing between pizza and pasta, our family was always divided and on the fence. All content on this website, including dictionary, thesaurus, literature, geography, and other reference data is for informational purposes only. Same happened to me, I felt relief when I considered ending things with the guy I was on the fence about. Usage explanations of natural written and spoken English. As he drew near, he slackened speed, took the middle of the street, leaned far over to star-board and rounded to ponderously and with laborious pomp and circumstance for he was personating the Big Missouri, and considered himself to be drawing nine feet of water. Ben stopped nibbling his apple. Tom contemplated the boy a bit, and said: Tom resumed his whitewashing, and answered carelessly: Well, maybe it is, and maybe it aint. Ben stared a moment and then said: Hi- yi ! adjective characterized by indecision "some who had been on the fence came out in favor of the plan" synonyms: undecided indecisive characterized by lack of decision and firmness Cite this entry Style: MLA "On the fence." Vocabulary.com Dictionary, Vocabulary.com, https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/on the fence. And he remembered that although the pump was only a hundred and fifty yards off, Jim never got back with a bucket of water under an hour and even then somebody generally had to go after him. On Order. Candace Osmond studied Advanced Writing & Editing Essentials at MHC. Stone turtle on a fence post, a design in a park in Kunyang, Yunnan. In this context, the fence is the decision. Check out some others we covered: Grammarist is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. So, basically we both are aware that, together, we could probably have a pretty healthy relationship. Im afeard . So he returned his straitened means to his pocket, and gave up the idea of trying to buy the boys. Come on. Be undecided, not committed, as in I don't know if I'll move there; I'm still on the fence, or He's straddling the fence about the merger. Games Answers provide help, hints, tips and tricks for puzzle and trivia games available on android and app store, all solutions are listed level by level. Meaning of the Phrase. According to Klein, this was Clinton's way of claiming partial responsibility for "the historic prosperity and the global peace that attended his time in office". Let your outside turn over slow! to sit on the fence. Lively now! Not making a decision or taking a side when presented with two options or possibilities; undecided. Ill give you a white alley!, White alley, Jim! Post turtle is a phrase that has been used in political discourse of various countries, particularly in North America, based on an old joke. I then extended the fence (boards only) to come as close to his fence as possible. He took up his brush and went tranquilly to work. An old rancher is talking about politics with a young man from the city. At this dark and hopeless moment an inspiration burst upon him! Tom said: Say, Jim, Ill fetch the water if youll whitewash some., Cant, Mars Tom. The word in the example sentence does not match the entry word. 22 My heighbor erected a fence about 4" into his property. Archived post. 2023. The next time you cant choose between the lesser of two evils, feel free to declare yourself on the fence. Now dont you see how Im fixed? And store this info in your mind for later use because you should be able to confidently use this phrase after reading my quick guide! Jane is on the fence about moving to a new city because there are many factors to consider. He was boat and captain and engine-bells combined, so he had to imagine himself standing on his own hurricane-deck giving the orders and executing them: Stop her, sir! Reddit, Inc. 2023. The origin of this phrase has its roots in Middle English, but has been in popular use since the 1800s. Well, youre not alone; youre on the fence. [8], In 2008, Steve Benen, lead blogger for the liberal "The Political Animal" at Washington Monthly, referred to Eric Cantor as a post turtle. To be undecided or uncommitted. Idk. Mark Twain is a co-production of Florentine Films and WETA. In this context, the fence is the decision. Usage explanations of natural written and spoken English, come down on one side of the fence or the other. Striving for the right answers? Subscribe to receive new idiom updates by email. I've thought about it everyday for months, but now it's multiple times a day. This information should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional. Yes, she's awful particular about this fence; it's got to be done very careful; I reckon there ain't one boy in a thousand, maybe two thousand, that can do it the way it's got to be done When you hear the idiom, "sitting on a fence" it's used to mean that a person is being indecisive, neutral, or acting hesitant when it comes to choosing between two different sides in an argument or a competition. [Verse 1] He's callin' me up, he's sure I might love him. They are sitting on the fence and refusing to commit themselves. If he had been a great and wise philosopher, like the writer of this book, he would now have comprehended that Work consists of whatever a body is obliged to do, and that Play consists of whatever a body is not obliged to do. "Once it's done, you get it stained and painted, you add a couple doors, and you have a really nice privacy fence for a super low cost," he said. He began to think of the fun he had planned for this day, and his sorrows multiplied. One of the most important things to remember when installing a fence is fence etiquette. Undecided as to which of two sides to support; uncommitted or neutral. Tom went on whitewashing paid no attention to the steamboat. Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free! Its just a mental equilibrium between options or decisions. The senator has been on the fence about the issue for years. You know you want to come over to my side of the fence. However, we're both clearly lacking that head-over-heels feeling, despite there being attraction and chemistry. Ill also share a few sentence examples to further explain what I mean. To sit on the fence definition: If you sit on the fence , you avoid supporting a particular side in a discussion or. Ting-a-ling-ling! We have 2 wonderful boys, 2 years 1 month apart. Warren Buffett Retains Sense of Optimism at Berkshire's Annual Meeting. The reason for acting this way may be due to the person feeling apathetic or simply lacking the courage . Dating Over Thirty is a sub for discussion and advice on dating and the dating phase of relationships for people over the age of 30. And its a bully taw., My! Michael. However, a small part is hanging on. Last month, he told CNBC Make It that despite paying for the platform's $8 per month subscriber program Twitter . Chow-ch-chow-chow! The left hand began to describe circles. It's a tantrum and he shouldn't be racing next week." . Synonyms are also a great way to mix up your wordage so you dont sound redundant. Example: "Which school do you prefer?" Answer: "I don't know; I'm on the fence ." You are on the fence when you have not yet decided. Deed she would., She! The young man doesn't understand and asks him what a post turtle is. Definition of on the fence 1 as in suspicious not feeling sure about the truth, wisdom, or trustworthiness of someone or something He's on the fence about taking a job with a company that doesn't use sustainable materials. ", Ronald E. Poelman used the post turtle reference referring to himself when he was first appointed as a general authority for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints during General Conference in April, 1978, saying, "Like the little turtle who found himself on the top of a fence post, I know that I did not reach this place by myself. Accessed 3 Jun. PS: Check out this topic below if you are seeking to solve another level answers : We are pleased to help you find the word you searched for. Take a turn round that stump with the bight of it! But of course youd druther work wouldnt you? Number 2 turns 2 in February and I'm really feeling the itch for one more baby. Tom appeared on the sidewalk with a bucket of whitewash and a long-handled brush. | Meaning, pronunciation, translations and examples Dont you wish you could? We talk about Memphis, livin' so rough then. No answer. I just couldnt decide because both choices had pros and cons. Chow! This line is spoken by Troy's oldest son, Lyons. Example of Use: "Has he decided whether he will take the job yet?" Answer: "No, he's still on the fence." Interesting fact about On the Fence All rights reserved. Despite the debate, I know a lot of voters are still on the fence about who to support in the upcoming election. Problem is he approached me and made me remove it "because its on his property". She never licks anybody whacks em over the head with her thimble and who cares for that, Id like to know. undecided about something. Set her back on the stabboard! Their daughter has been sitting on the fence ever since her father forgot her mother's birthday. He compares a politician to a "post turtle." Life on the Fence Lyrics. Stand by that stage, now let her go! Years ago, after writing my first book, I was on the fence about whether to go the indie publishing route or endure the traditional side of it. [7], The Natural: The Misunderstood Presidency of Bill Clinton by Joe Klein, published in 2002, quotes Clinton as saying: "If you see a turtle sitting on top of a fence post, it didn't get there by accident." He surveyed the fence, and all gladness left him and a deep melancholy settled down upon his spirit. Ting-a-ling-ling! Dictionary, Encyclopedia and Thesaurus - The Free Dictionary, the webmaster's page for free fun content, he that hath a full purse never wanted a friend, he that lieth with dogs riseth with fleas, he that mischief hatches, mischief catches, he that will not when he may, when he will he may have nay, he that would eat the fruit must climb the tree, he that would eat the kernel must crack the nut, he that would go to sea for pleasure would go to hell for a pastime, He that would go to sea for pleasure, would go to hell for a pastime, he that would have eggs must endure the cackling of hens, he that would the daughter win must with the mother first begin, He that would the daughter win, must with the mother first begin, he travels (the) fastest who travels alone, He wears a ten-dollar hat on a five-cent head, he who begins many things finishes but few. There are wealthy gentlemen in England who drive four-horse passenger-coaches twenty or thirty miles on a daily line, in the summer, because the privilege costs them considerable money; but if they were offered wages for the service, that would turn it into work and then they would resign. Its a metaphorical expression that suggests the idea of sitting on the fence, not committing to either side of the fence. He was eating an apple, and giving a long, melodious whoop, at intervals, followed by a deep-toned ding-dong-dong, ding-dong-dong, for he was personating a steamboat. You know he didn't get up there by himself. 14 hours ago. "You and me is two different people, Pop." Fences, 18. All I know, is, it suits Tom Sawyer., Oh come, now, you dont mean to let on that you like it?, Like it? And shes worked as an Editor for several mid-sized publications. Yes, shes awful particular about this fence; its got to be done very careful; I reckon there aint one boy in a thousand, maybe two thousand, that can do it the way its got to be done., No is that so? Fences Quotes and Analysis. Stop the stabboard! The term on the fence comes from American English and dates back to the early 19th century. The strength in his voice . I'm not sure if we should keep seeing each other. He had discovered a great law of human action, without knowing it namely, that in order to make a man or a boy covet a thing, it is only necessary to make the thing difficult to attain. Nothing less than a great, magnificent inspiration. Course you would!. Tom said to himself that it was not such a hollow world, after all. No, this doesnt mean youre literally sitting atop an actual fence or anything. Ann is on the fence about going to Mexico. Synonyms & Similar Words Relevance suspicious skeptical unsure doubtful uncertain unsettled dubious distrustful mistrustful For technical support about any game, you can contact the developer via Play Store. 24 May 2023 15:57:39 2. phrase. See full dictionary entry for fence. Ting-a-ling-ling! In fact, this topic is meant to untwist the answers of Figgerits Hes __ on the fence about the issue. This information should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional. not feeling sure about the truth, wisdom, or trustworthiness of someone or something, not favoring or joined to either side in a quarrel, contest, or war, Post more words for on the fence to Facebook, Share more words for on the fence on Twitter, Palter, Dissemble, and Other Words for Lying, Skunk, Bayou, and Other Words with Native American Origins, Words For Things You Didn't Know Have Names, Vol. Many property owners misunderstand the rules regarding ownership and responsibility for a fence, on the basis of which property owner enjoys the "good side" of the fence. Improve your vocabulary with English Vocabulary in Use from Cambridge.Learn words you need to communicate with confidence. You are in the right place and time to meet your ambition. Sht! There is no general rule about whether you own the fence on the left or the fence on the right of your property. to delay making a decision: You can't sit on the fence any longer - you have to decide whose side you're on. This phrase was used frequently in political contexts where . The committee has been on the fence about the issue for years, so don't expect any action any time soon. Add sit on the fence to one of your lists below, or create a new one. This man, the supposed manager, really told a bunch of reporters that "he's frustrated that he can't play a guy because he's busy playing a guy who isn't any good." This is y'all's best manager in baseball. Ting-a-ling-ling! His arms straightened and stiffened down his sides. It's a metaphorical expression that suggests the idea of sitting on the fence, not committing to either side of the fence. I don't know if we're just being very adult, or if this is the both of us being too practical? I always have wanted 3 kids and worry I'll regret not having a third . Lucky You! "It's a horizontal picket fence," he said. Examples include: Talk to Your Neighbor Tom surveyed his last touch with the eye of an artist, then he gave his brush another gentle sweep and surveyed the result, as before. Toms mouth watered for the apple, but he stuck to his work. Ben Rogers hove in sight presently the very boy, of all boys, whose ridicule he had been dreading. He put down his pail, took the white alley, and bent over the toe with absorbing interest while the bandage was being unwound. Gameanswer 2016-2022 - All rights Reserved, Hes __ on the fence about the issue Figgerits [ Answers ], To make holes in something Figgerits [ Answers ]. You can't be on the fence anymoreyou need to choose between the two candidates, now. But Toms energy did not last. Tom swept his brush daintily back and forth stepped back to note the effect added a touch here and there criticised the effect again Ben watching every move and getting more and more interested, more and more absorbed. Bush. "[6], Mary Doria Russell used the post turtle reference in her 1996 novel The Sparrow, attributing it to Father D.W. Yarborough, leader of the first Earth expedition to another planet. Nov 24, 2021 at 10:32 AM. You can't stay on the fence any longeryou need to choose which of the two candidates we should hire. All rights reserved. Only just a little Id let you, if you was me, Tom., Ben, Id like to, honest injun; but Aunt Polly well, Jim wanted to do it, but she wouldnt let him; Sid wanted to do it, and she wouldnt let Sid. Does a boy get a chance to whitewash a fence every day?. *on the fence (about something) Fig. Jim was only human this attraction was too much for him. On the fence, be Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com Top Definitions Quiz on the fence, be Also, straddle the fence. Post turtle. Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. We have solved this clue.. Just below the answer, you will be guided to the complete puzzle. Gimme the bucket I wont be gone only a a minute. Be sure to have a look at my other helpful grammar guides and writing tips! White, mulatto, and negro boys and girls were always there waiting their turns, resting, trading playthings, quarrelling, fighting, skylarking. On The Same Page. Hence, dont you want to continue this great winning adventure? Meaning of on the fence in English on the fence idiom Add to word list not able to decide something: Many consumers are still on the fence, waiting for a less expensive computer to come along. In another moment he was flying down the street with his pail and a tingling rear, Tom was whitewashing with vigor, and Aunt Polly was retiring from the field with a slipper in her hand and triumph in her eye. Post turtle is a phrase that has been used in political discourse of various countries, particularly in North America, based on an old joke. My best friend is on the fence about becoming a mother in this day and age, and I dont blame her. Basically, both of us have expressed feeling alternately good and just okay around each other, but we both find connection with others kinda difficult anyway, and the both of us each do a lot of personal exploration into how to make relationships work, etc. You can't . How Do You Decide When You're On the Fence About Someone? The boy mused awhile over the substantial change which had taken place in his worldly circumstances, and then wended toward headquarters to report. Ole missis, she tole me I got to go an git dis water an not stop foolin roun wid anybody. He had had a nice, good, idle time all the while plenty of company and the fence had three coats of whitewash on it! 2. Stop the labboard! S sit on the fence Meaning delay or avoid making a decision or choice not take sides in a dispute not to commit oneself avoid siding with one of two possibilities undecided about something remain neutral when a decision or choice is required Example Sentences Has he decided which offer he is going to accept or is he still sitting on the fence? The word in the example sentence does not match the entry word. Sign up to get updates about the film and future projects from Ken Burns and Florentine Films. sht! (trying the gauge-cocks). Read more . Troy chides Lyons for being lazy and poor and for not wanting to get a real job in the sanitation department or with some other company. SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases Doubt & ambivalence ambivalence ambivalent ambivalently askance be in two minds idiom fence-sitting have a foot in both camps idiom haw hem hem and haw idiom noncommittally nonconcern nonplussed Saturday morning was come, and all the summer world was bright and fresh, and brimming with life. You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics: Improve your vocabulary with English Vocabulary in Use from Cambridge.Learn words you need to communicate with confidence. I wouldn't be on the fence. The other might be fixed with an honest conversation. Add on the fence to one of your lists below, or create a new one. I recently erected my fence and put the post about 2" from the property line. 'I can't see John's sister Teresa's house across the way anymore.' John, 65, said he hasn't confronted their neighbours about the fence, despite the fact they've got on well in the past. When you are on the fence, a large part of you is already out of the relationship. No, we haven't chosen an applicant yetthe boss is sitting on the fence. Husband on the fence. I've been seeing this guy for almost 2 months (10+ dates) and we've been very adult and have discussed our feelings together and more. From Mark Twain, Tom Sawyer, Chapter Two, 1876. Say Ill give you the core of my apple., Well, here No, Ben, now dont. As for the new policy about public transit, the local community remains on the fence, awaiting more information. The locust-trees were in bloom and the fragrance of the blossoms filled the air. Life to him seemed hollow, and existence but a burden. A list of "Which Side of the Fence?" items distinguishing Republicans from Democrats was widely circulated via the Internet at the beginning of 2013 with the name Jeff Foxworthy tagged on the. Sighing, he dipped his brush and passed it along the topmost plank; repeated the operation; did it again; compared the insignificant whitewashed streak with the far-reaching continent of unwhitewashed fence, and sat down on a tree-box discouraged. He got out his worldly wealth and examined it bits of toys, marbles, and trash; enough to buy an exchange of work, maybe, but not half enough to buy so much as half an hour of pure freedom. **This is not a place to post personals or "looking for" or hookups.**. People who benefit from other people's fences (i.e., you have a dog and you want to benefit from someone else's fence) often feel they have some right to the other person's fence staying upright. All content on this website, including dictionary, thesaurus, literature, geography, and other reference data is for informational purposes only. "The (No.) I don't know if he's just keeping me on the back burner (I know he's not dating anyone because he messages me every night for hours) and if perhaps he's scared of the idea of having PIV sex with me . You can't be on the fence anymoreyou need to choose between the two candidates, now. (*Typically: be ~; sit ~ .) Lucky You! Come out with your spring-line whatre you about there!