"6 Ways to Sunday"

Posted by ESC on November 13, 2003

In Reply to: Origin of the Phrase "6 Ways to Sunday" posted by Paul Krasnov on November 12, 2003

: Does anyone know the origin of the phrase, "6 Ways to Sunday"? It was used by a co-worker to imply thoroughness, as in, "You need to test 6 ways to Sunday to make sure we test all possibilities."

: Thanks.

We have discussed this before and haven't come up with a definitive origin. Here's my take (from the archives):

Eight ways to Sunday/ Six ways to Sunday - I've heard these and used them occasionally. But I'm not exactly sure what they mean! And they aren't listed in my books. So I'm guessing here. I understand that they both mean - scattered. My necklace broke and the beads went eight ways to Sunday. And (this is a bit violent): He knocked him six ways to Sunday. Calling up an image of flying teeth.

Anyone have any other ideas?