What does “Six Ways to (from) Sunday” mean?

"Six Ways to (from) Sunday" means that something can be done or experienced in many different ways.

What context can I use the in?

Example

He tried six ways to Sunday to fix the problem, but nothing worked.

Example

She's been studying six ways to Sunday for the exam, hoping to get a good grade.

Example

They've tried six ways to Sunday to convince him to join the team, but he's still not interested

Is “Six Ways to (from) Sunday” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Six Ways to (from) Sunday” 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 “Six Ways to (from) Sunday” effectively in context?

You can use "Six Ways to Sunday" to emphasize that something has been done or attempted in many different ways. It suggests thoroughness and exhaustive effort. For example, if someone has tried multiple methods to solve a problem but none have worked, you might say, 'He tried six ways to Sunday to fix the problem, but nothing worked.'

1Problem-solving
After hours of troubleshooting, she tried six ways to Sunday to fix the computer issue.
2Studying
She's been studying six ways to Sunday for the exam, hoping to get a good grade.
3Persuasion
They've tried six ways to Sunday to convince him to join the team, but he's still not interested.

Similar phrases to “Six Ways to (from) Sunday”:

Leave no stone unturned

To make every possible effort to find or achieve something

Example

They left no stone unturned in their search for the missing dog.

Try every trick in the book

To attempt all known methods or strategies

Example

He tried every trick in the book to win the game.

Go the extra mile

To make an additional effort or go beyond what is expected

Example

She always goes the extra mile to help her colleagues.

Pull out all the stops

To make a maximum effort or use all available resources

Example

They pulled out all the stops to organize a successful event.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Six Ways to (from) Sunday” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Six Ways to Sunday" is unknown.

Is “Six Ways to (from) Sunday” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Six Ways to Sunday" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. It is often used to convey the idea of exhaustive effort or thoroughness.

What tone does “Six Ways to (from) Sunday” have?

"Six Ways to Sunday" conveys a tone of determination and persistence. It suggests that someone has put in a lot of effort and explored various options to achieve a desired outcome.

Can “Six Ways to (from) Sunday” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "Six Ways to Sunday" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that conveys the idea of trying something in many different ways. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.

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, 'He tried six ways to Sunday to solve the puzzle.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'I've tried "six ways to Sunday"!' to express frustration or exhaustion.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

thoroughly
exhaustively
in every possible way
by all means
in every conceivable manner