[ti:Are You Guilty of 'Sitting on the Fence?'] [by:www.51voa.com] [00:00.00]更多听力请访问51VOA.COM [00:07.76]And now Words and Their Stories from VOA Learning English. [00:18.60]This program takes a deeper look [00:21.40]at words and expressions in the English language. [00:25.36]Sometimes we take one word and see where it leads us. [00:31.08]Today, we look at the word "fence." [00:36.08]One definition of "fence" is an outdoor structure [00:40.48]that encloses an area. [00:44.16]Fences mark property. [00:46.64]They are barriers. [00:49.40]A fence is different from a wall because it does not have [00:54.28]a solid foundation along its whole length. [00:59.40]Fences are used to keep things in -- like animals [01:04.28]-- or keep things out -- like criminals. [01:09.12]Speaking of criminals, when they deal in stolen goods [01:13.48]they are fencing and could be called a fence. [01:18.72]And if the criminals are fencing stolen goods [01:22.16]while having a sword fight, you say they are fencing fences. [01:28.28]But let's get back to "fence" meaning an outdoor structure. [01:34.48]As we said, a fence marks a property line. [01:38.64]It gives you privacy. [01:42.24]People can't see onto your property and vice versa. [01:48.20]To many people, this is a good way [01:50.64]to keep peace in a neighborhood. [01:54.16]Everybody just minds their own business. [01:57.88]Sometimes if a neighbor knows too much of your business, [02:02.84]it could lead to problems. [02:06.84]That is where this proverb comes from: [02:10.08]"Fences make good neighbors." [02:14.36]This proverb appears several times [02:17.84]in Robert Frost's poem Mending Wall published in 1914. [02:25.96]Our next expression is very common: To be on the fence. [02:31.64]If you are sitting "on the fence" about something you are undecided. [02:38.12]A fence divides property into sides. [02:41.68]So, if you are on the fence about something, [02:45.80]you have not taken sides. [02:49.76]For example, let's say your child's school just raised $20,000. [02:57.52]School officials want to spend that money on either [03:01.52]new science equipment or a new outdoor play area. [03:07.36]They ask the parents to give their opinion. [03:10.64]But you don't know which is more important for the students. [03:15.16]So, you sit on the fence for awhile. [03:18.08]You don't feel strongly about either choice. [03:22.84]If you did, you would certainly pick a side and not stay on the fence. [03:29.88]Sometimes we turn this saying into a noun. [03:34.08]A "fence-sitter" is someone who always stays neutral. [03:38.92]They never take sides in an argument. [03:41.92]They do not seem to have an opinion of their own. [03:47.20]And they never take a stance for anything. [03:52.68]This could show a lack of courage. [03:55.76]So, calling someone a fence-sitter is usually an insult. [04:02.88]Now, that is not the case if you are simply undecided about an issue; [04:07.88]or if you need more time to make a decision; or if you just don't care. [04:15.48]For example, let's say there is an election coming, [04:19.40]and I have not decided who I am voting for. [04:23.04]I can say, "I don't know. I'm on the fence between two candidates." [04:28.76]This doesn't mean I'm unwilling [04:31.48]or unable to pick a candidate. I just haven't yet. [04:37.48]However, let's say I never vote because I can't make a decision. [04:42.52]And I have a long history of being indecisive. [04:47.84]Someone could rightfully call me a fence-sitter. [04:52.12]And that would rightfully be an insult. [04:57.28]And that's all the time we have for this Words and Their Stories. [05:01.24]Until next time, I'm Anna Matteo. [05:04.44]更多听力请访问51VOA.COM