at sixes and sevens

Register · Informal Informal — used in casual, everyday conversation among friends and family. Avoid in formal writing or professional settings. CEFR C1

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Figurative meaning

in a confused, disorganized state

Why this phrase?

The origin is uncertain; one theory points to dice, where 'six and seven' was a risky bet. Today it simply pictures total disorder.

Example

“The office has been at sixes and sevens since the manager resigned.”

Dictionary details

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Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

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