fence-sit
Remain strategically undecided
To fence-sit is to avoid committing to either side of an issue or decision, remaining neutral or undecided.
The image is of someone perched on a fence between two properties, belonging to neither.
A fence-sitter delays taking a position, often to avoid risk or conflict: Stop fence-sitting and tell us where you stand.
Not having chosen
- noncommittalNot expressing clear opinion
- waveringShowing unsteady resolve
- vacillatingSwaying between choices
- ditheringProlonged indecisive hesitation
irresolute · uncommitted · torn · hesitant · wishy-washy · ambivalent · equivocating · waffling
Freedom from prejudice
- nonpartisanshipAbsence of party affiliation
- unbiasedFree from prejudice
- evenhandednessUnbiased, balanced judgment
- objectivityFreedom from personal bias
middle-ground · centrist · moderate · both-sides · diplomatic · bystander · observer · uninvolved
Act of escaping detection
- sidesteppingMoving aside to avoid
- dodgingAvoiding by moving aside
- shirkingAvoiding obligatory tasks
- duckingBending to avoid impact
punting · commitment-phobic · non-answer · deflecting · stonewalling · demurring · cop-out
Preferring safety over uncertainty
- prudentExercising sound judgment
- circumspectCarefully considering consequences
- calculatedFigured out mathematically
- strategicDeliberately planned for advantage
guarded · measured · deliberate · cautious · reserved · watchful
undecided
Not having chosen
- noncommittalNot expressing clear opinion
- waveringShowing unsteady resolve
- vacillatingSwaying between choices
dithering · irresolute · uncommitted · torn · hesitant · wishy-washy · ambivalent · equivocating · waffling · shilly-shallying
impartiality
Freedom from prejudice
- nonpartisanshipAbsence of party affiliation
- unbiasedFree from prejudice
- evenhandednessUnbiased, balanced judgment
objectivity · middle-ground · centrist · moderate · both-sides · diplomatic · bystander · observer · uninvolved · disengaged
evasion
Act of escaping detection
- sidesteppingMoving aside to avoid
- dodgingAvoiding by moving aside
- shirkingAvoiding obligatory tasks
ducking · punting · commitment-phobic · non-answer · deflecting · stonewalling · demurring · cop-out
risk-averse
Preferring safety over uncertainty
- prudentExercising sound judgment
- circumspectCarefully considering consequences
- calculatedFigured out mathematically
strategic · guarded · measured · deliberate · cautious · reserved · watchful
fence-sitdecide
Reach a conclusion
commit · choose · take a stand · make up one's mind · resolve
fence-sitact
Deed or performance
take action · engage · intervene · get involved · jump in
fence, sit, fences, fenced, fencing, sits, sitting, sitter, fence-sitter