How to Pronounce "good fences make good neighbors"
expression
GOOD FEN-siz mayk GOOD NAY-berz
guhd FEN-siz mayk guhd NAY-buhz
Definition
This expression means that setting clear boundaries helps people get along and avoid conflicts, especially with neighbors. It can be used literally for property lines or more generally for personal limits.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈɡʊd/, /ɡɪd/ /ˈfɛnsəz/, /ˈfɛnsɪz/ /ˈmeɪk/ /ˈɡʊd/, /ɡɪd/ /ˈneɪbɝz
British English
ɡˈʊd/ /fˈɛnsɪz/ /mˈeɪk/ /ɡˈʊd/ /nˈeɪbəz
Simplified Pronunciation
US
GOOD FEN-siz mayk GOOD NAY-berz
UK
guhd FEN-siz mayk guhd NAY-buhz
Listen in Context
Good fences make good neighbors because they help prevent arguments over property lines.
My father always says, 'Good fences make good neighbors.'
We built a fence, remembering that good fences make good neighbors.
Sometimes, good fences make good neighbors—it's just easier when everyone knows their space.