Meaning: To avoid making a decision or choosing a side
Hindi: तटस्थ रहना
Synonyms: stay neutral, remain undecided
Antonyms: take a stand, commit
Asked in: SSC CHSL 2025 T-1 · SSC CPO 2024 T-1 · SSC CPO 2023 T-1 · SSC Steno 2023 T-1 · SSC CPO 2022 T-1 · SSC CGL 2021 T-1 · SSC CGL 2020 T-1
sit on the fence in SSC previous-year questions
- SSC CPO 2024 T-1 Idioms & Phrases
Select the most appropriate idiom that can substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence.
I don't know which career he will choose. He delays making strong decisions.Answer & explanation
Answer: B) sits on the fence
The most appropriate idiom to substitute the underlined segment "delays making strong decisions" is:
sits on the fence
Explanation:
• "Sits on the fence" means to remain neutral or undecided, especially in a situation where a decision is needed. It refers to someone who avoids making a choice or taking a firm stance on an issue.
• The other idioms do not fit the context of avoiding or delaying a decision:
• "Is as clean as a whistle" means something is very clean or pure, which doesn't relate to decision-making.
• "Spills the beans" means to reveal a secret, which is unrelated to decision-making.
• "Turns a blind eye" means to ignore something, but it doesn't directly relate to delaying a d - SSC CHSL 2025 T-1 Idioms & Phrases
Choose the correct meaning of the idiom:
"Sit on the fence"Answer & explanation
Answer: B) To refuse to give an opinion or take a side
Correct Answer: Option 2 — "To refuse to give an opinion or take a side."
"Sit on the fence" = to avoid committing to one side of an argument or dispute; to refuse to declare a preference or take a definite position; to remain neutral; to be non-committal. ✓
The idiom evokes the image of someone literally sitting on a fence — not choosing which side of the fence to be on (i.e., not choosing a side in a dispute or debate). ✓
Example: 'The politician sat on the fence on the tax reform issue, neither supporting nor opposing it.' ✓
Why other options are wrong:
Option 1 'To be very decisive about a matter' — this is the OPPOSITE of sitting on the fence; someone decisive takes a firm position. ✗
O - SSC CPO 2022 T-1 Idioms & Phrases
Select the most appropriate meaning of the underlined idiom.
It is wise to sit on the fence and not become a party to another World War.Answer & explanation
Answer: A) A person's lack of decisiveness, neutrality or hesitance to choose between two sides in an argument or a competition
Answer: 1
Solution (Correct Option – 1: A person's lack of decisiveness, neutrality or hesitance to choose between two sides in an argument or a competition):
The idiom “sit on the fence” means to remain neutral or undecided, especially when faced with two opposing sides or choices. It suggests a deliberate refusal to take a side in an argument or issue.
Example: When asked about the political issue, he chose to sit on the fence rather than support either party.
Why other options are incorrect:
Option 2: Refers to opportunism or taking advantage — not related to indecision.
Option 3: “Defending no man’s land” is unrelated to the idiom.
Option 4: Becoming a peacemaker means actively resolving - SSC CPO 2023 T-1 Idioms & Phrases
Select the most appropriate idiom for the underlined word segment.
He seems to be undecided about whether to move to another city for better prospects.Answer & explanation
Answer: A) Sitting on the fence
The most appropriate idiom for the underlined word segment "undecided" is "Sitting on the fence," which means being unable to decide between two options or taking a neutral position on an issue.
Sitting on the fence: Being unable to decide between two options or taking a neutral position on an issue.
Counting down the days: Waiting anxiously or eagerly for a future event to happen.
Bouncing off the walls: Feeling very energetic, excited, or restless.
Running out of steam: Losing energy or enthusiasm, especially after a period of intense activity. - SSC Steno 2023 T-1 Idioms & Phrases
Select the most appropriate idiom to substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence.
I was undecided for a long time to select the right course of study after my senior secondary exam.Answer & explanation
Answer: B) sitting on the fence
Answer: (b) sitting on the fence
Explanation:
• The phrase “undecided for a long time” means the person couldn’t make up their mind.
• “Sitting on the fence” is an idiom that means not making a decision or staying neutral (फैसला न कर पाना).
Other options:
• Beating around the bush – avoiding the main topic ❌
• Knocking around – wandering or spending time idly ❌
• On fool’s errand – doing something pointless ❌
✅ So, “sitting on the fence” is the correct idiom to replace the underlined segment. - SSC CGL 2020 T-1 Idioms & Phrases
Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.
Sit on the fenceAnswer & explanation
Answer: B) Avoid making a decision
Answer: Avoid making a decision
Solution: “Sit on the fence” means to avoid making a decision (निर्णय लेने से बचना).
Why the other options are incorrect:
• Protect something – means to guard or keep safe, not indecision.
• Create conflicts – means to instigate disagreements, not neutrality.
• Poke fun at people – means to mock or tease, not remain undecided.
Examples
- “He prefers to sit on the fence during arguments.”
sit on the fence – questions
What is the meaning of sit on the fence in Hindi?
sit on the fence means “तटस्थ रहना” in Hindi. In English: To avoid making a decision or choosing a side
What are the synonyms of sit on the fence?
Synonyms of sit on the fence: stay neutral, remain undecided.
What is the opposite of sit on the fence?
Antonyms of sit on the fence: take a stand, commit.
Has sit on the fence been asked in SSC exams?
Yes – sit on the fence has been asked 7 times in SSC exams: SSC CHSL 2025 T-1, SSC CPO 2024 T-1, SSC CPO 2023 T-1, SSC Steno 2023 T-1, SSC CPO 2022 T-1, SSC CGL 2021 T-1, SSC CGL 2020 T-1.