Select the most appropriate meaning of the underlined idiom.

It is wise to sit on the fence and not become a party to another World War.

A person's lack of decisiveness, neutrality or hesitance to choose between two sides in an argument or a competition

The answer is A person's lack of decisiveness, neutrality or hesitance to choose between two sides in an argument or a competition.

The idiom "to sit on the fence" means to avoid taking a side in a conflict or controversy. It is a metaphor for sitting on a fence, which is a position that is not committed to either side.

In the context of the sentence, the speaker is saying that it is wise to avoid getting involved in another World War. This is because World War II was a very destructive conflict that caused a lot of death and suffering. The speaker is suggesting that it is better to remain neutral and not take sides, in order to avoid getting caught up in the fighting.

The other options for the meaning of the idiom are incorrect.

• Overtaking the thing of interest that the other parties are fighting for while they are fighting does not mean to sit on the fence.
• Defending the no man’s land does not mean to sit on the fence.
• Becoming a peacemaker between two fighting or competing parties does not mean to sit on the fence.