At Sixes and Sevens
After I posted “At Loggerheads,” I received the following comment. “It’s all sixes and sevens now… That’s a ridley sea turtle, not a loggerhead.” Since I am not a turtle expert, I should have double checked my source. However, I did not.
At sixes and sevens means confused or disorganized.
In addition to turtles, I get confused about:
- Numbers (Math is not my strength.)
- Physics (I received a good grade but have little understanding.)
- Meteorology (Weather forecasts keep me informed.)
At sixes and sevens also means frazzled.
Life gets overwhelming. Daily difficulties leave me bumfuzzled. Bewildered and spread too thin, I find myself going in circles unsure what to do next.
Rest makes a world of difference.
With a clearer mind and restored energy:
- Life feels less confusing.
- Organization looks more doable.
- Tasks fall into place
The Free Dictionary offers two possible origins for this expression.
- “A dice game in which rolling a six or a seven was unfavorable.”
- “A dispute that arose between two of the guilds or craft organizations in medieval London.” It involved sixth and seventh place in the city’s annual procession.
When confused, turn to the right resource.
Seek God as the ultimate answer for life’s most important questions.
“I call on the Lord in my distress, and he answers me” (Psalm 120:1 NIV).
Thanks to Jeff Buck for the suggestion. Image by Willi Heidelbach from Pixabay
Do you have an expression you want explained or a thought about this one? If so, please comment below.
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8 thoughts on “At Sixes and Sevens”
I hadn’t heard this expression in a long time, Diana, and I really appreciated this refresher course.
Blessings!
I was not that familiar with the expression, so I learned quite a bit. Have a lovely week.
I’m still having trouble commenting on your posts, but I really enjoy them. Thank you.
I never knew what this expression meant. Thanks, Diana.
Tracy, I had not heard it many times, so this was a learning process for me too. Have a wonderful week!
I had not ever heard this expression and enjoyed reading about it. Life surely has been sixes and sevens lately, and not just for you 🙂 Like you, I am so grateful we can call on the Lord to bring clarity and answers when I am confused and unsure. You bring wonderful life lessons from each idiom, Diana.
Thank you, Joanne. This is a new expression to many. I had heard it but never really knew what it meant until now. I pray all your confusion and uncertainty improves soon. Blessings, my friend.
I’ve heard the phrase and recognized it referred to confusion from the context, but I enjoyed your informative message of its origin and the humor you poke at yourself. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you, Katherine. Your response gave me a smile at the end of a long day. In regard to poking fun at myself, a friend often said, “If you can laugh about it later, laugh about it now.” I frequently refer to her words of wisdom.