At Sixes and Sevens — Meaning, Usage & Examples

What it means...

Confused and messy, with nothing properly settled.

When things are at sixes and sevens, plans clash, nobody is sure who does what, and normal routines have broken down.

It describes temporary chaos rather than permanent disorder.

Use it when…

When an office is messy after a big change
When nobody is sure who is responsible for what
When plans clash and nothing is settled

Don’t confuse with...

"All Over the Place"

—

Messy, often about one person

"Up in the Air"

—

Undecided, waiting on an answer

"At Sixes and Sevens"

—

Confused and completely messy

Where you’ll hear it

You’ll hear the "At Sixes and Sevens" idiom in real life — at work, in relationships, or in the media.

Work & Business

Corporate Issues

Staff said the department was at sixes and sevens for a month after the two teams merged.

Relationships & Social Life

Family

The house was at sixes and sevens the week before the wedding and nobody could find anything.

Media & Everyday Life

News

Reporters described a ministry at sixes and sevens after three senior officials resigned at once.

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Use it like this

Here’s how to use "At Sixes and Sevens" idiom naturally in real conversations, with real examples.

Work & Business

Talking to boss

You

I'd rather not commit to a date while we're at sixes and sevens.

Boss

Sensible. Give me a date once the structure is announced.

Relationships

Talking to partner

Partner

Are we still going away in May or not?

You

Work is at sixes and sevens right now. Let me know by Friday.

Everyday Conversations

Everyday problems

Friend

How's the new apartment coming along?

You

At sixes and sevens. Half the boxes are still in the hallway.

‹›

Last updated:

October 4, 2026

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