at sixes and sevens

Cultural  

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

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at sixes and sevens Idioms  

1. 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]

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Example Sentences

They were at sixes and sevens with who they were picking up, and as the first half progressed I thought it was just a case of how many goals City would get.

From BBC

“Dear old Hixby’s. Isn’t it odd? The book was scarcely any use at all, but I feel a bit at sixes and sevens without it.”

From Literature

So, that's their first aim here and if it's 11 v 11 then Chelsea can hurt Liverpool, even without Cole Palmer, because the Reds are at sixes and sevens at the back.

From BBC

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

Related Words

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