get over the fence

USAGE SUMMARY

"get over the fence" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used in the imperative form to suggest that someone should cross a physical boundary or figurative obstacle. Example: "You need to get over the fence and onto the other side to reach your goal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

From where I was, I saw hundreds of people trying to get over the fence.

The Guardian

It has been raining a lot, so it is difficult to get over the fence which (since he is a little short) is over twice his height.

The Guardian

It was pointed out to him [Lister] that if it was covered by the snow, the wolves would get over the fence.

The Guardian

If the I.N.S. suddenly circled this room and said, 'Pop quiz, everybody!,' there would be a lot of people trying to get over the fence from this side".

The New Yorker

Mr. Zwick approvingly quotes a writing teacher's admonition that "plot is the meat the burglar throws the dog to get over the fence".

The New York Times - Arts

In a statement, he said he attempted to get into an open field but found it "impossible" to get over the fence.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

The thousands of Algerian fans in the crowd were appalled, with money shouting "It's a fix!" Some waved money through the fences or burned it, an enduring image of España 82; others, in full why-I-oughta mode, took a running jump in a failed attempt to get over the fences and on to the field.

The Guardian - Sport

• "It just barely got over the fence," Murcer said, teasingly, about Singleton, his YES broadcast partner.

The New York Times - Sports

"As long as it gets over the fence.

Los Angeles Times

A few of them succeed in getting over the fence, but a bunch failed.

Vice

Riders are judged in three general categories: The Hunters category is judged on technical ability in how they jump fences and their technique for getting over the fence.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "get over the fence" figuratively, ensure the context clearly establishes the barrier being referenced. For example, "She needed to get over the fence of self-doubt to pursue her dreams."

Common error

Avoid using "get over the fence" in contexts where the physical image of a fence is distracting or irrelevant. Choose a more abstract phrase if the barrier is purely conceptual.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get over the fence" functions as an idiomatic expression, typically acting as a verb phrase within a sentence. It signifies the action of overcoming a physical or metaphorical barrier.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "get over the fence" is an idiomatic expression signifying the action of overcoming an obstacle, whether literal or figurative. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While it appears most frequently in news and media contexts, it maintains a neutral register. When using the phrase, consider the context to ensure the image of a fence doesn't distract from the intended meaning. Alternatives like "clear the fence" or "surmount the obstacle" can offer more formal or specific connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clear the fence

Focuses on successfully passing over the fence, emphasizing the action of clearing an obstacle.

scale the fence

Highlights the act of climbing and overcoming a physical barrier.

jump the fence

Emphasizes the action of leaping over the fence.

go beyond the barrier

Shifts the focus to surpassing a limiting factor or obstacle.

surmount the obstacle

Presents a more formal and general way of expressing overcoming a challenge.

transcend the limitation

Implies rising above a restrictive condition or boundary.

overcome the boundary

Directly addresses the act of conquering a defined limit.

break through the confines

Suggests forcefully escaping or exceeding imposed restrictions.

move past the impediment

Highlights the act of progressing beyond something that hinders progress.

rise above the challenge

Focuses on elevating oneself beyond a difficult situation or task.

FAQs

How can I use "get over the fence" in a sentence?

You can use "get over the fence" both literally, referring to physically climbing over a fence, or figuratively, meaning to overcome an obstacle. For example: "The refugees tried to get over the fence" or "It's time to get over the fence and move on with your life."

What does it mean to "get over the fence"?

To "get over the fence" can literally mean to climb over a physical barrier. Figuratively, it means to overcome an obstacle, challenge, or difficulty.

What can I say instead of "get over the fence"?

You can use alternatives like "clear the fence", "surmount the obstacle", or "overcome the boundary" depending on the context.

Is "get over the fence" an idiom?

Yes, "get over the fence" is often used idiomatically to mean overcoming a challenge or difficulty, not just the literal act of climbing a fence.