Fence with
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 ]
Read Also:
- Fencible
/ˈfɛnsəbəl/ adjective 1. a Scot word for defensible noun 2. (formerly) a person who undertook military service in immediate defence of his homeland only adj. early 14c., “capable of making a defense,” short for defensible; see fence (n.) + -ible.
- Fencing
[fen-sing] /ˈfɛn sɪŋ/ noun 1. the art, practice, or sport in which an épée, foil, or saber is used for defense and attack. 2. a parrying of arguments; avoidance of direct answers: political fencing on important issues. 3. an enclosure or railing. 4. collectively. 5. material for . [fens] /fɛns/ noun 1. a barrier enclosing […]
- Fencing wire
noun 1. a heavy-gauge galvanized wire used for farm fences
- Fend
[fend] /fɛnd/ verb (used with object) 1. to ward off (often followed by off): to fend off blows. 2. to defend. verb (used without object) 3. to resist or make defense: to fend against poverty. 4. to parry; fence. 5. to shift; provide: to fend for oneself. /fɛnd/ verb 1. (intransitive) foll by for. to […]
- Fendalton tractor
/ˌfɛnˈdɔːltən/ noun 1. (NZ, informal) a four-wheel drive recreational vehicle Also called Fendalton shopping cart