Where does the phrase sit on the fence come from?

The term came from the Algonquin ‘Mugquomp’, meaning ‘important person’. The term was not used as a mark of respect, but of derision. They were described by their opponents as birds sitting on a fence, with their mug on one side and their wump on the other.

What does it mean when someone is sitting on the fence?

To remain neutral, to refuse to take sides in a dispute; often used in a derogatory way about someone who lacks the courage to decide: “The councilman is afraid he’ll lose votes if he takes sides on the zoning issue, but he can’t sit on the fence forever.”

What does the expression over the fence mean?

unreasonable, unfair, or unjust. See full dictionary entry for fence.

What does hitting the nail on the head mean?

exactly right about something
phrase. If you say that someone has hit the nail on the head, you think they are exactly right about something.

What does over the wall mean?

Filters. Over the wall is defined as to send something from the office to someone outside the office. An example of to over the wall is to email a bill to a client.

Do you live under a rock meaning?

Definition of live under a rock : to be unaware of things that most people know about How could you have not heard about it? Do you live under a rock?

What does mean out of blue?

When something happens out of the blue, it is a complete surprise. If you get a phone call out of the blue from an old friend, it’s utterly unexpected. Use the phrase out of the blue when you need a casual way to describe something that surprises you and possibly seems to come from nowhere.

What is the origin of the idiom on the fence?

Answer: “No, he’s still on the fence.” The origin of the idiom ‘on the fence’ has its roots in Middle English, when the word ‘fens’, short for ‘defens’ was originated. Later, an “e” was added to the term to form the word defense as it is used today.

What does it mean to sit on the fence?

On the Fence. Later, an “e” was added to the term to form the word defense as it is used today. Fences often define ownership, and to sit on a physical fence is to straddle a position between two different properties. Metaphorically, sitting on the fence is straddling the position between two ideas without committing to either of them.

What does on the fence mean in a sentence?

On the Fence. The phrase ‘On the Fence’ is used to describe being undecided about something. Example of Use: “Has he decided whether he will take the job yet?”. Answer: “No, he’s still on the fence.”.

What is the meaning of two sides of the fence?

avoid making a decision or choice. The two sides of a fence are seen here as representing the two opposing or conflicting positions or interests involved in a particular debate or situation. 1995 Duncan McLean Bunker Man Let’s have a proper decision—goal or no goal—none of this sitting on the fence.