Top 37 Slang For On The Fence – Meaning & Usage

Are you feeling indecisive or unsure about something? Well, you’re not alone. Many of us find ourselves on the fence from time to time, trying to weigh our options and make a decision. Lucky for you, our team has put together a list of trendy slang terms that perfectly capture this feeling. Get ready to dive in and discover the coolest ways to express your uncertainty!

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1. Sitting on the fence

This phrase is used to describe someone who is unsure or undecided about a particular issue or topic. It implies that the person is not taking a firm stance and is remaining neutral.

For example, in a political discussion, someone might say, “I’m still sitting on the fence about which candidate to support.”
In a debate about a controversial topic, a person might comment, “I’m sitting on the fence because I can see both sides of the argument.”
A friend might ask, “Have you made a decision yet, or are you still sitting on the fence?”

2. Riding the fence

Similar to “sitting on the fence,” this phrase is used to describe someone who is indecisive or noncommittal. It suggests that the person is unwilling to take a definitive position on a matter.

For instance, in a group discussion, someone might say, “Stop riding the fence and pick a side.”
In a business meeting, a colleague might comment, “We need to make a decision soon. No more riding the fence.”
A parent might advise their child, “Don’t be afraid to take a stand. Riding the fence won’t get you anywhere.”

3. On the edge

This phrase is used to describe someone who is undecided or teetering between two options. It implies that the person is on the verge of making a decision but has not yet committed.

For example, in a relationship discussion, someone might say, “I’m on the edge of breaking up with them.”
In a career dilemma, a person might comment, “I’m on the edge of quitting my job and pursuing my passion.”
A friend might ask, “Are you on the edge of making a big life change?”

4. On the wall

This phrase is used to describe someone who is uncertain or wavering in their decision-making. It suggests that the person is unable to choose a side or make a firm decision.

For instance, in a group project, someone might say, “We can’t make progress if you’re on the wall.”
In a sports debate, a fan might comment, “Stop sitting on the wall and support your team.”
A teacher might advise a student, “You need to take a position and not stay on the wall.”

5. On the line

This phrase is used to describe someone who is undecided or at a critical point in their decision-making process. It implies that the person is facing a crucial choice and must make a decision soon.

For example, in a job interview, someone might say, “I’m on the line between accepting this offer or waiting for another.”
In a relationship discussion, a person might comment, “Our future is on the line, and we need to figure things out.”
A friend might ask, “Do you feel like you’re on the line between two options?”

6. Straddling the fence

This phrase is used to describe someone who is indecisive or sitting on the fence, unable to make a decision.

For example, “I’m straddling the fence on whether to take the job offer or not.”
In a political discussion, someone might say, “He’s straddling the fence on the issue, trying to please both sides.”
A person torn between two options might say, “I’m straddling the fence between staying in my hometown or moving to a new city.”

7. On the brink

This phrase is used to describe being on the verge of making a decision or taking a particular action.

For instance, “I’m on the brink of quitting my job and starting my own business.”
In a relationship, someone might say, “We’re on the brink of breaking up if things don’t improve.”
A person contemplating a risky move might say, “I’m on the brink of selling all my possessions and traveling the world.”

8. On the border

This phrase is used to describe someone who is unsure or undecided about a particular situation or decision.

For example, “I’m on the border between accepting the promotion or staying in my current position.”
In a debate, someone might say, “I’m on the border about whether to support stricter gun control laws.”
A person torn between two choices might say, “I’m on the border between going to college or pursuing a trade.”

9. On the cusp

This phrase is used to describe being on the verge of making a decision or experiencing a significant change.

For instance, “I’m on the cusp of starting a new chapter in my life.”
In a career context, someone might say, “I’m on the cusp of a promotion, waiting for the final decision.”
A person considering a major life change might say, “I’m on the cusp of moving to a different country.”

10. On the edge of a decision

This phrase is used to describe being very close to making a decision or choosing a particular option.

For example, “I’m on the edge of a decision between two job offers.”
In a personal dilemma, someone might say, “I’m on the edge of a decision about whether to end a toxic friendship.”
A person contemplating a risky move might say, “I’m on the edge of a decision to quit my stable job and pursue my passion.”

11. Fence-sitter

– For example, in a political debate, someone might say, “Don’t be a fence-sitter, make up your mind!”

A friend might jokingly say, “You’re such a fence-sitter, always playing it safe.”
In a discussion about a controversial topic, someone might comment, “I can’t stand fence-sitters who won’t take a stand.”

12. Middle ground

– For instance, in a negotiation, someone might say, “Let’s find a middle ground that works for both parties.”

In a debate, a person might argue, “We need to seek common ground and find the middle ground.”
A friend might advise, “Instead of taking extreme positions, try to find the middle ground.”

13. Neither here nor there

– For example, in a discussion about a movie, someone might say, “The ending was neither here nor there, it left me confused.”

A person might comment on a decision, “I’m still on the fence, it’s neither here nor there for me.”
In a debate, someone might argue, “Your point is neither here nor there, it doesn’t address the main issue.”

14. Betwixt and between

– For instance, in a conversation about career choices, someone might say, “I’m still betwixt and between, not sure which path to take.”

A person might comment on a relationship, “We’re in a betwixt and between stage, not quite dating but more than friends.”
In a discussion about politics, someone might argue, “The party is betwixt and between, struggling to define its platform.”

15. Teetering

– For example, in a debate, someone might say, “I’m teetering between supporting both sides, can’t make up my mind.”

A person might comment on a financial investment, “The stock market is teetering, it’s hard to predict its future.”
In a discussion about a controversial issue, someone might argue, “Public opinion is teetering, it could go either way.”

16. Wavering

To be unsure or indecisive about a particular choice or decision.

For example, “I’m wavering between going to the party or staying home.”
A person might say, “I’ve been wavering on whether to quit my job and pursue my passion.”
In a discussion about politics, someone might state, “Many voters are wavering between the two candidates.”

17. Indecisive

Having a difficulty in making up one’s mind or choosing between options.

For instance, “She’s so indecisive that she can never pick a restaurant for dinner.”
A person might admit, “I tend to be indecisive when it comes to buying clothes.”
In a group discussion, someone might say, “Let’s not rely on him, he’s too indecisive.”

18. Torn

Feeling torn means being torn between two options or having conflicting feelings about a decision.

For example, “I’m torn between taking the job offer or staying at my current job.”
A person might express, “I’m torn about whether to confront my friend about the issue.”
In a discussion about relationships, someone might say, “I’m torn between staying in the relationship or ending it.”

19. Dilly-dallying

To dilly-dally means to waste time or procrastinate instead of making a decision or taking action.

For instance, “Stop dilly-dallying and make up your mind!”
A person might say, “I’ve been dilly-dallying about whether to join the gym.”
In a group setting, someone might urge, “Let’s stop dilly-dallying and start working on the project.”

20. Hesitating

To hesitate means to pause or delay in making a decision or taking action.

For example, “She’s hesitating to accept the job offer because of the long commute.”
A person might admit, “I’ve been hesitating about whether to book the vacation.”
In a discussion about public speaking, someone might say, “Many people hesitate before speaking in front of a large audience.”

21. Dithering

Dithering refers to the act of being indecisive or hesitant in making a decision or taking action. It is often associated with being on the fence about something.

For example, “Stop dithering and just choose a restaurant for dinner.”
Someone might say, “I’ve been dithering about whether to buy that new phone or not.”
In a discussion about career choices, a person might admit, “I’ve been dithering between two job offers for weeks now.”

22. Hemming and hawing

Hemming and hawing is a phrase used to describe someone who is hesitant or unsure about something, often indicated by stammering or making noncommittal noises. It implies being on the fence or having difficulty making a decision.

For instance, “Stop hemming and hawing and just tell me if you’re coming to the party or not.”
In a conversation about vacation plans, someone might say, “I’ve been hemming and hawing about whether to go to the beach or the mountains.”
A person might ask, “Why are you hemming and hawing? Just give me a straight answer.”

23. Sitting on the fencepost

Sitting on the fencepost refers to being undecided or neutral about a particular issue or decision. It implies being in a state of indecisiveness or not taking a clear position.

For example, “I’m still sitting on the fencepost about whether to go on that trip.”
In a political discussion, someone might say, “I can’t decide which candidate to support. I’m still sitting on the fencepost.”
A person might admit, “I’ve been sitting on the fencepost about whether to change careers or not.”

24. In two minds

Being in two minds means being conflicted or undecided about something. It suggests having two opposing thoughts or opinions, making it difficult to make a clear decision.

For instance, “I’m in two minds about whether to attend the party or stay home and relax.”
In a discussion about buying a car, someone might say, “I’m in two minds about whether to go for the practical option or the sporty one.”
A person might admit, “I’m in two minds about whether to confront my friend or let it go.”

25. In a quandary

Being in a quandary means being in a state of uncertainty or facing a dilemma. It suggests being on the fence and unable to make a decision due to conflicting options or factors.

For example, “I’m in a quandary about whether to accept the job offer or wait for a better opportunity.”
In a discussion about travel plans, someone might say, “I’m in a quandary about which destination to choose.”
A person might admit, “I’m in a quandary about whether to buy a house or continue renting.”

26. Undetermined

When someone is undetermined, they are unable to make a decision or choose between two options. It refers to a state of uncertainty or indecisiveness.

For example, “I’m undetermined about which college to attend.”
A person might say, “I’m undetermined about whether to take the job offer.”
Someone might express their undetermined state by saying, “I’m undetermined about whether to go on the trip or not.”

27. Torn between two

When someone is torn between two options, they are having difficulty choosing between them. It signifies a state of being undecided or conflicted.

For instance, “I’m torn between two candidates for the job.”
A person might say, “I’m torn between two cities to move to.”
Someone might express their dilemma by saying, “I’m torn between two career paths.”

28. Teetering on the edge

When someone is teetering on the edge, they are in a state of uncertainty or indecision. It refers to being on the verge of making a decision but still wavering.

For example, “I’m teetering on the edge of accepting the offer.”
A person might say, “I’m teetering on the edge of quitting my job.”
Someone might express their indecisiveness by saying, “I’m teetering on the edge of ending the relationship.”

29. Sitting on the sidelines

When someone is sitting on the sidelines, they are not actively participating or making a decision. It implies a state of observing or being detached from a situation.

For instance, “I’m sitting on the sidelines and watching how things unfold.”
A person might say, “I’m sitting on the sidelines and letting others take the lead.”
Someone might express their neutral stance by saying, “I’m sitting on the sidelines and not getting involved in the argument.”

30. Fence-sitting

When someone is fence-sitting, they are undecided or neutral about a certain issue or decision. It refers to the act of not taking a side or making a firm choice.

For example, “I’m fence-sitting on whether to support this policy.”
A person might say, “I’m fence-sitting on which candidate to vote for.”
Someone might express their uncertainty by saying, “I’m fence-sitting on whether to attend the event or not.”

31. Vacillating

Vacillating refers to being indecisive or uncertain about a decision or opinion. It implies a back-and-forth movement or wavering between different options or positions.

For example, “I’ve been vacillating between going on vacation or saving money.”
In a discussion about politics, someone might say, “She vacillated on her stance regarding healthcare.”
A friend might ask, “Why are you vacillating about accepting the job offer?”

32. Wishy-washy

Wishy-washy describes someone who is indecisive or lacks conviction in their opinions or actions. It suggests a lack of firmness or clarity in making a decision.

For instance, “He gave a wishy-washy response when asked about his plans.”
In a debate, someone might accuse their opponent of being wishy-washy by saying, “You keep changing your stance.”
A friend might comment, “Don’t be so wishy-washy about where we should eat dinner.”

33. Lukewarm

Lukewarm refers to being undecided or having a lack of enthusiasm towards a particular matter. It suggests a tepid or neutral attitude, neither fully in favor nor against.

For example, “He gave a lukewarm response to the idea of going to the party.”
In a discussion about a controversial topic, someone might say, “Her stance was lukewarm, neither fully supporting nor opposing.”
A colleague might comment, “The lukewarm response to the proposal indicates a lack of interest.”

34. Neutral

Neutral refers to being on the fence or having a neutral stance on a particular issue. It implies not taking a side or having a lack of strong opinions.

For instance, “She remained neutral in the debate, refusing to take a side.”
In a discussion about a divisive topic, someone might say, “It’s hard to stay neutral when emotions run high.”
A friend might comment, “I prefer to remain neutral when it comes to politics.”

35. Uncommitted

Uncommitted refers to being undecided or not fully dedicated to a particular course of action or belief. It suggests a lack of commitment or involvement.

For example, “He’s uncommitted to the project, unsure if he wants to participate.”
In a discussion about future plans, someone might say, “I’m still uncommitted on whether to pursue further studies.”
A coach might encourage their team by saying, “We need to be fully committed, not uncommitted, to achieve our goals.”

36. Undecided

This refers to a state of uncertainty or indecision, where a person is unable to make a firm decision or choose between two options. It suggests a lack of commitment or a need for more information before making a choice.

For instance, someone might say, “I’m still undecided on which college to attend.”
In a political context, a voter might be undecided between two candidates and say, “I’m not sure who I’ll vote for yet.”
A person considering different job offers might say, “I’m still undecided on which company to join.”

37. Ambivalent

This describes a feeling of having mixed emotions or conflicting attitudes towards something. It suggests that a person is torn between two opposing opinions or feelings and is unable to fully commit to one side.

For example, someone might say, “I feel ambivalent about attending the party because I like the host but don’t enjoy socializing.”
In a relationship context, a person might feel ambivalent about their partner and say, “I love them, but I’m also frustrated with some of their behavior.”
A person discussing a controversial issue might express ambivalence by saying, “I see both sides of the argument and can’t decide which is right.”