Translation guide
To avoid taking sides in a dispute or decision; to remain neutral or uncommitted.
The speaker wants to express that someone is not choosing between two options or opinions, often to avoid conflict.
Literally 'take a neither-here-nor-there attitude'. A common, natural way to describe fence-sitting.
彼はいつもどっちつかずの態度をとる。
He always sits on the fence.
Means 'take a neutral stance'. Slightly more formal, suitable for political or diplomatic contexts.
その問題について、彼は中立の立場をとった。
He sat on the fence regarding that issue.
Literally 'observe the situation'. Implies waiting to see which side will win before committing. Formal and somewhat literary.
彼は形勢を観望して、どちらの案にも賛成しなかった。
He sat on the fence and didn't agree with either proposal.
The speaker wants to express that someone is postponing a choice, often to gather more information or avoid commitment.
Means 'reserve one's attitude/decision'. Commonly used when someone is not ready to commit.
彼はまだ態度を保留している。
He is still sitting on the fence.
The English idiom 'sit on the fence' does not have a direct Japanese equivalent using 'fence' (柵). Translating it literally as 柵に座る would be nonsensical. Use the phrases above instead.
Literally 'postpone the decision'. Emphasizes the act of delaying rather than neutrality.
彼は決断を先延ばしにして、どちらの意見にも加わらなかった。
He sat on the fence and didn't join either opinion.