Idiom
at sixes and sevens
Meanings
Very untidy or disorganized; in a muddle.
Confused or unable to think clearly because of stress or sudden change.
Definition
In a state of confusion or disorganization.
If someone or something is at sixes and sevens, it is messy, disordered, or confused. It is often used to describe a situation after an unexpected event or when plans change suddenly. The phrase is especially common in British English and can describe both places and people’s thoughts or arrangements.
Examples
- After the power cut, the whole schedule was at sixes and sevens.
- My thoughts were at sixes and sevens before the interview.
- With the builders in, the house has been at sixes and sevens for weeks.
- Since the manager resigned, the department is at sixes and sevens.
Common mistake
Learners sometimes say "in sixes and sevens" or "at six and seven" instead of the fixed form "at sixes and sevens."
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