be at sixes and sevens
Meaning
To be in confusion or disorder; to be disorganized or unsure what to do.
Origin
Often linked to a medieval dice game called “hazard,” where players debated whether to bet on “six” or “seven,” creating uncertainty. It later came to mean disorder or confusion.
Notes
Used for messy situations or confused people/plans. Mildly old-fashioned but still common in writing and conversation.
Examples
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After the sudden policy change, the whole department was at sixes and sevens.
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My schedule is at sixes and sevens this week because of last-minute meetings.
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When we arrived at the airport and our flight was canceled, everyone was at sixes and sevens.
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Since their manager quit, the team has been at sixes and sevens trying to decide what to do next.
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The living room was at sixes and sevens after the kids’ birthday party.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Fixed pattern: “be at sixes and sevens” (often with a subject: “The office is at sixes and sevens”). Tense/aux changes with “be” (was/were/has been). Usually not used with articles; plural “sixes and sevens” is fixed.
Synonyms
- be in a mess
- be all over the place
- be in disarray
- be in confusion
- be in turmoil
Antonyms
- be organized
- be in order
- have it together
- be under control