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More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)
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sixes and sevens
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Phrase for anything in a disordered state. To set all 'on six and seven' was an idiom in use from at least the 14C, deriving from dice and meaning to take a big gamble. The theme of disorder entered with a gradual change to 'at sixes and sevens'. The most likely influence is the ancient dispute between the Merchant Taylors and Skinners for the sixth and seventh places in the great twelve *City Livery Companies.
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