fence with

Idioms  

1. Avoid answering directly, try to evade, as in The mayor was very clever at fencing with the press about his future plans. This expression transfers the parry and thrust of fencing to a verbal exchange. [Second half of 1600s]

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Example Sentences

He also has lined his fence with plastic skeletons and placards reading, “This Prison is Going to Kill Arkansas.”

From The Wall Street Journal

“I always rode the fence with you,” Evans recalled Banks confessing to her, adding, “They built a whole empire, a multi-million dollar brand, known as ‘America’s Next Top Model’ off the backs of every girl‘s dream that did that show.”

From Los Angeles Times

Yet the moment the signs were affixed to the chain link fence with zip ties, the Taufahemas realized everybody was watching.

From Los Angeles Times

"I want children and the white picket fence with my amazing wife - I just want that normality. This is my gateway to doing it and I can't wait."

From BBC

The hollers of those skinny orphans at the fence, with their hateful, mocking laughter, pounded in my ears.

From Literature