at sixes and sevens

1. In a state of confusion or disorder: “Trying to cram for this math test has me all at sixes and sevens.”

Idioms and Phrases

Confused, disorganized, disorderly, as in We've just moved in, and the office is still at sixes and sevens , or The new college admissions tests were poorly explained, leaving the students at sixes and sevens . This ancient term is thought to come from a game of dice in which throwing a six or seven had a particular significance. The name of the game has been lost, but most likely betting on such a throw was very risky, denoting disorder and confusion. [Late 1300s]

Example Sentences

The Irish defence were just at sixes and sevens, they couldn't rush up because England would truck it up with Martin, Chessum or Ollie Lawrence, and if they backed off, England were at pace and Furbank was causing havoc in the 13 channel as a runner.

From BBC

Unity is strength At the moment, the liberal world is at sixes and sevens over China.

From The Guardian

“He was at sixes and sevens after the election, but he is perceived as having gotten back on track,” said Pat Leahy, the political editor of The Irish Times.

From New York Times

“He’s at sixes and sevens right now,” Faldo says.

From Golf Digest

Then Mrs. Popper had to scrub and polish and straighten the whole place, for she was much too good a housekeeper to leave everything at sixes and sevens while the Poppers were away.

From Literature

Related Words

• baffled
• befuddled
• bewildered
• dazed
• disorganized
• distracted
• muddled
• perplexed
• perturbed
• puzzled