September 02, 2004

at sixes and sevens

The other night Abigail said she was "all at sixes and sevens." By the context, I could tell she meant in a state of disorder, but when I inquired about the phrase, she seemed to think it was the most obvious of statements. I just couldn't get any connection. Why not all at thirteens and fourteens?

I did a Google search on it and the New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy has the definition. "I suppose I'm not yet culturally literate," she says in her fake Queen's English accent with pinky finger extended and upper lip stiff.