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]

---

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 • Mar. 24, 2026

The border itself is now marked by a tall metal fence, with a coil of vicious-looking barbed wire on top and more beyond.

From BBC • Dec. 14, 2025

The wind “lofted a 12-foot segment of chain link fence with privacy fabric and threw it 70 feet across parking lot,” the weather service said.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 21, 2025

Younger voters are also more likely to be on the fence, with nearly a third of 18- to 29-year-olds saying they are unsure, compared with 11% of those older than 65.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 22, 2025

“I have great hopes for my boy,” observed Jo, watching him fly over the fence with an approving smile.

From "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott