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At sixes & sevens, and At odds

Posted by R. Berg on July 24, 2003

In Reply to: At sixes & sevens, and At odds posted by Lotg on July 24, 2003

: How did the term 'sixes and sevens' come about? I believe it implies being at odds with someone, eg. "He's at sixes and sevens with you".

: But why sixes and sevens?

: And why 'at odds'? Odd what?

For plenty of answers on "sixes and sevens," type "sevens" in the archive search box . "Odds" has had a cluster of senses related to the concept of difference or differences since about 1500. Compare "He and I have our differences."

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