I want a phrase this time!
I am looking for something to denote general confusion and disorder. I thought of "at sixes and sevens," but research indicates that the origins of the word were a gambling game, and I think that at the time the phrase might be close enough to its origins to be inappropriate for genteel speech. Anybody know?
I also thought of "all at sea" but I'm not sure if that one's quite old enough in its current meaning.
Does anybody know more about the antiquity or gentility of either of those phrases, or have something similar to suggest? It is to be spoken by a young gentleman but in the presence of several ladies, so while it can be a little colloquial it probably shouldn't be too slangy.
I am looking for something to denote general confusion and disorder. I thought of "at sixes and sevens," but research indicates that the origins of the word were a gambling game, and I think that at the time the phrase might be close enough to its origins to be inappropriate for genteel speech. Anybody know?
I also thought of "all at sea" but I'm not sure if that one's quite old enough in its current meaning.
Does anybody know more about the antiquity or gentility of either of those phrases, or have something similar to suggest? It is to be spoken by a young gentleman but in the presence of several ladies, so while it can be a little colloquial it probably shouldn't be too slangy.