on the fence

You usually say you are on the fence about something. Use the preposition about to link it to your dilemma. For example, I'm on the fence about the blue car. You can also say you are still on the fence. This shows you need more time. It is a very visual way to describe a stalemate in your head.

Use it when someone asks for your opinion or a decision. It works perfectly at a restaurant when the menu is too good. It is great for big life choices like moving or jobs. Use it when you want to be honest but non-committal. It sounds much more natural than saying 'I am currently experiencing indecision.'

Don't use it for tiny, instant things. If someone asks if you want water, don't say you're on the fence. That just makes you look weirdly intense about hydration! Avoid it in high-stakes emergencies too. If a building is on fire, nobody wants to hear you're on the fence about leaving. Also, avoid it if you actually have an opinion but are just being shy.

This phrase has been around since the 1800s. It originally had a political flavor. It described politicians who wouldn't pick a side in a debate. They wanted to see who would win first! Today, it is much more personal and less about being sneaky. It is just a very human way to say 'I'm thinking.'

You might hear people say they are going to straddle the fence. This is a bit more active. It implies you are trying to keep both options alive. Sometimes people say they are sitting on the fence. If you finally decide, you jump off the fence or come down on one side of it. Most of the time, the simple version is your best bet.