What is the meaning of out riding fences?

Answer 1

Oh, dude, "out riding fences" is just a fancy way of saying someone is out there patrolling or checking their property boundaries. Like, imagine a cowboy on a horse, making sure no cows or bandits are messing with their land. So, it's basically just keeping an eye on things, but with a cool cowboy vibe.

Answer 2

The phrase "out riding fences" typically refers to someone patrolling or inspecting the perimeter or boundaries of a property, such as a farm or ranch, to ensure that the fences are intact and in good condition. This activity is important for maintaining the security of the property and preventing livestock from wandering off. The phrase can also symbolize a sense of responsibility, vigilance, and dedication to one's duties or obligations.

Answer 3

One of the jobs of a cowboy is to keep fences in good repair. So he gets on his horse with saddle-bags fulls of hammers and staples and goes riding around fixing the fences, usually barbed wired ones. So 'I have been outside riding my horse fixing the fences' gets contracted to 'Out riding fences." That is the literal meaning.

The figurative, or secondary, meaning of "riding fences" refers to a person who won't take sides or who equivocates on an issue or issues so as not to offend those on either side. Politicians do this a lot, as do "people pleasers." It speaks of deviousness or a weakness of character.

Another meaning comes to us from the rock group The Eagles in the lyrics to their song "Desperado," wherein the title character has been having a string of affairs and relationships, but can't seem to settle down with the right woman.