- fence⇄adj. fenceless.
- fence⇄expr. come (or get) off the fence, to stop being neutral; take sides.
Ex. A retreating stock market ... induced institutional buyers to get off the fence ... and enter the municipal bond market (Wall Street Journal). - fence⇄expr. mend one's fences,
a. to look after one's political interests at home, as in preparation for renomination.
Ex. An early adjournment is deemed essential in order that the members may go home to mend their fences (H. L. West).
b. - fence⇄expr. on both (or opposite) sides of the fence, on the two sides of a dispute or controversy.
Ex. A campaign by political, financial, and commercial groups in Salisbury on both sides of the UDI [Unilateral Declaration of Independence] fence is brin - fence⇄expr. on the fence, not having made up one's mind; doubtful; hesitating; uncommitted.
Ex. Editors for a long time on the fence ... occasionally undertake ... to sit as censors upon their fatigued and dusty brethren (Richmond Whig). - fence⇄expr. refuse one's fences, (British.) to avoid danger or risk.
Ex. It was time that Britain stopped refusing its fences and really got down to solving its problems at home (London Times). - fence⇄expr. ride (the) fence, (Western U.S.) to ride along the fence of a ranch to inspect and keep it in repair.
Ex. The cowboys roped and branded cattle and rode fence for the rancher. - fence⇄expr. rush one's fences, (British.) to proceed too hurriedly.
Ex. He [an organist] unfolded the argument with exemplary clarity and discipline, never rushing his fences or playing for obvious dramatic effect (Joan Chissell). - fence⇄expr. sit on the fence, to be undecided in opinion or action; hesitant; uncommitted.
Ex. The French delegation, which has hitherto been sitting on the fence, has suddenly become exceedingly active (Daily Express). - fence⇄expr. straddle (or walk) the fence, to be on the fence; not make up one's mind which side to take.
Ex. The most crucial question ... is how long it can straddle the fence on the Israeli issue (Atlantic). If [he] attempts to walk the fence and says - fence⇄fence, noun, verb, fenced,fencing.
- fence⇄noun fencelessness.
- fence⇄noun 1. a railing or wall put around a yard, garden, field, farm, or building area, to show where it ends or to keep people or animals out or in. Most fences are made of wood, wire, or metal. A stone fence is a wall. A fence of growing bushes is a hedge.
- fence⇄v.i. 1a. to practice the use of foils or swords as an art or sport.
b. to fight with swords or foils.
2. (Figurative.) to deal with a debater or questioner in the manner of a fencer, by evading or parrying the other's moves.
Ex. The h - fence⇄v.t. 1. to put a fence around; enclose with a fence; keep out or in with a fence.
2. (Figurative.) to separate as by a fence; keep apart or at a distance.
Ex. The patents were used to fence in and block off other manufacturers.
3. to