at sixes and sevens

You usually use this phrase with the verb to be. You can say 'I am at sixes and sevens.' You can also describe a situation this way. For example, 'The office was at sixes and sevens.' It acts like an adjective to describe a messy state. Do not use it for small problems. Use it when things feel truly out of control. It sounds very natural and slightly sophisticated.

Use it when you feel flustered. Maybe you are moving to a new house. Boxes are everywhere and you cannot find your keys. Tell your friend, 'I’m all at sixes and sevens today!' It works well in professional settings too. Use it if a meeting has no clear goal. It is a polite way to say 'This is a mess.' Use it when you are stuck between two choices.

Do not use this for extreme tragedies. It is too lighthearted for a serious disaster. Avoid it if you are actually angry. It sounds more frustrated or confused than furious. If you just woke up and feel sleepy, this isn't the right phrase. You need to be actively disorganized. Also, do not use it to describe a person's permanent character. It is usually a temporary state.

This phrase is very British in origin. It likely comes from old dice games. In the 1300s, betting on the numbers six and seven was very risky. It was a 'long shot' that caused confusion. Later, it became a dispute between two London guilds. They both wanted to be 6th in line for a procession. Now, it just means things are a bit of a muddle. It feels classic and charmingly English.

You will often hear people add the word all. Saying 'I’m all at sixes and sevens' adds extra emphasis. In some older texts, you might see 'set at six and seven.' However, the modern version always uses the plural sixes and sevens. Stick to the standard version for everyday talk. It is a great way to sound like a native speaker without using slang.