good fences make good neighbors
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
It is better to mind one's own business than get involved with other people's affairs.
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “good fences make good neighbors” mean?
It is better to mind one's own business than get involved with other people's affairs.
Is “good fences make good neighbors” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.