F

[feet of clay]  {n. phr.}

A hidden fault or weakness in a person which is discovered or shown.

The famous general showed he had feet of clay when he began to drink liquor.

* /The banker seemed to be honest, but he had feet of clay and was arrested  […]

[feet on the ground]  {n. phr.}

An understanding of what can be done; sensible ideas. Used with a possessive.

John has his feet on the ground; he knows he cannot learn everything at once.

* /Ted dreams of sudden riches, but Henry keeps his feet on  […]

[fell]

See: [AT ONE FELL SWOOP].

[fellow]

See:

[HAIL-FELLOW-WELL-MET],

[REGULAR GUY] or [REGULAR FELLOW].

[fellow traveller]  {n.}

A sympathizer with a political movement who does not officially belong to the political party in question.

Many Germans after World War II were innocently accused of being fellow travellers of Nazism.

* /During the McCarthy  […]

[fence]

See:

[GRASS IS ALWAYS GREENER ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE FENCE],

[MEND ONE'S FENCES],

[ON THE FENCE].

[fence in] or [hedge in] or [hem in]  {v.}

To keep (someone) from doing what he or she would like to do. Usually used in the passive.

Mary felt fenced in because her father would not let her drive a car or have dates with boys.

* /John didn't like  […]

[fence-sitter]  {n.}

A person unable to pick between two sides; a person who does not want to choose.

[fence-sitting]  {n.} or  {adj.}

Choosing neither side.

You have been fence-sitting for too long. It is time you made up your mind.

Contrast: [MAKE UP ONE'S MIND], [TAKE SIDES].

[fence with] or [spar with]  {v.}

To talk with (someone) as if you were fighting like a swordsman or boxer; to give skillful answers or arguments against (someone).