all sixes and nines

English

See also: sixes and nines

Etymology

(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.)

Pronunciation

• Audio (General Australian):

  (file)

Prepositional phrase

all sixes and nines

1. (idiomatic) In a state of confusion.
   • 2015 June 15, Kathari Findlen, Meeting in the Space Between: A Story of Grief, Grace and Gratitude‎^[1], Balboa Press, →ISBN, →OCLC:

     Dear Kori,
     I'm all sixes and nines ... whatever that means. Fragments of me are loosely hanging together.

2. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see all,‎ sixes,‎ and,‎ nines.
   • 2008, G. E McIlmoyle, L. R. Bromley, Remembering the Dragon Lady, People Stories Unlimited, →ISBN, →OCLC, page 443:

     Do you see anything funny about the tail number? It is all sixes and nines!

Related terms

• at sixes and sevens