Tag Archives: confusion

At sixes and sevens

Meaning: This idiom means to be in a state of confusion, disorder, or uncertainty.

Usage in Example Sentences:

  1. “After the sudden change in plans, everyone was at sixes and sevens trying to figure out what to do.”
  2. “When the power went out, the whole office was at sixes and sevens.”
  3. “The room was at sixes and sevens after the kids finished playing.”

Origin: The phrase “at sixes and sevens” dates back to the 14th century and is believed to have originated from a dice game, where the numbers six and seven were considered unlucky or risky. Over time, it evolved into a metaphor for disarray or confusion. The expression has been widely used in English literature and continues to imply a state of disorder or chaos.

At sixes and sevens

In the fog

Meaning: This idiom means to be confused, uncertain, or unable to understand something clearly. It implies a state of mental confusion or lack of clarity.

Usage in Example Sentences:

  1. “After that complex lecture on quantum physics, I felt completely in the fog.”
  2. “He seemed in the fog during the meeting and couldn’t contribute much to the discussion.”
  3. “She’s been in the fog since she woke up, probably because she didn’t get enough sleep.”

Origin: The idiom “in the fog” likely originates from the literal experience of being in foggy weather, where visibility is limited and it’s difficult to see clearly. This physical experience of disorientation and lack of clarity was metaphorically extended to describe a mental state of confusion or uncertainty. The phrase has been used in English for many years to convey the idea of not being able to think clearly or understand something fully.

In the fog