What does “All sixes” mean?
"All sixes" means being in a state of confusion or disorder.
What context can I use the in?
Example
After the power outage, the entire office was in all sixes trying to get everything back up and running.
Example
The construction site was in all sixes after the unexpected storm hit.
Example
The kitchen was in all sixes as the chefs rushed to prepare the orders during the busy dinner rush
Is “All sixes” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“All sixes” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “All sixes” effectively in context?
You can use "All sixes" to describe a situation or place that is in a state of confusion or disorder. It emphasizes the chaotic nature of the situation. For example, if a room is messy and disorganized, you might say, 'The room was in all sixes.'
- 1Office
After the power outage, the entire office was in all sixes trying to get everything back up and running.
- 2Construction site
The construction site was in all sixes after the unexpected storm hit.
- 3Restaurant kitchen
The kitchen was in all sixes as the chefs rushed to prepare the orders during the busy dinner rush.
Similar phrases to “All sixes”:
Chaos
A state of complete disorder and confusion
Example
The traffic was in chaos after the accident.
Wild and noisy disorder or confusion
Example
The concert turned into pandemonium when the band started playing.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “All sixes” come from?
The origin of the phrase "All sixes" is unknown.
Is “All sixes” common in everyday conversation?
The phrase "All sixes" is not very common in everyday conversation. It is more likely to be encountered in literature or older texts.
What tone does “All sixes” have?
"All sixes" conveys a tone of chaos and disorder. It is used to describe situations that are in a state of confusion or disarray.
Can “All sixes” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "All sixes" is informal and can be used in casual conversations with friends, family, or colleagues. It may not be suitable for formal or professional settings.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'The room was in all sixes after the party.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'What a mess, it's all sixes!' to express frustration or confusion.
