sixes and sevens

Dictionary of American Words And Phrases by John Russell Bartlett.

'To be at sixes and sevens,' is to be in a state of disorder and confusion. A ludicrous expression that has been long in use.--Johnson.


John once turned his mother out of doors, to her great sorrow; for his affairs went on at sixes and sevens.--Arbuthnot.

California is less than ever attached to the central authority of Mexico[.] Everything is at sixes and sevens.--N. O. Paper, Sept. 7, 1845.

In Mr. Johnson's arrangement of the mails, he throws everything into pi, and all are at sixes and sevens under his vigilant administration.--N. Y. Com. Adv., Jan. 10, 1848.

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