"Real English 23-on the fence"

As you know, I usually don't like to talk about politics.  However, since this week's Real English is related to a politician, I will make an exception.


Tokyo Governor Ishihara always has an opinion on something.  He never sits on the fence on an issue.


"What do you think of Tokyo Gov. Shintaro Ishihara's plan to buy the disputed Senkaku Islands?"
from The Japan Times Online
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/fl20120424vf.html

Here are some other more casual examples of how to use "on the fence":


1-At a restaurant:
"I can't decide what to order as my entree. I am on the fence...the steak or the fish?  Can you help me out?  Which do you recommend?"


2-At a voting booth
"I am sitting on the fence on who to vote for in the next election, Mr. X or Ms. Y.  They both have pros and cons..."


And the expression  "opposite sides of the fence" means "to have opposite opinions."


3-Current political news in Japan:
"Prime Minister Noda and Ichiro Ozawa, who leads the DPJ's largest faction with 120 members, are on opposite sides of the fence concerning the consumption tax hike. "