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all sixes and nines

From Wiktionary, the free dictionary

English

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See also: sixes and nines

Etymology

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

Pronunciation

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Prepositional phrase

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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!
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