'Sixes and sevens'?

[Heddsy]

Why is it 'sixes and sevens'? Why not fours and fives? Where did it come from? Also on the subject of numbers, why is it 'dressed up to the nines'? (yes I have just watched Evita!)

[Andrew_2004]

The origin of the expression 'At sixes and sevens' , comes from the mid 14th century, and releates to the Guilds of Tradesmen in the city of London.

The Merchant Taylors and the Skinners were the sixth and seventh guilds, founded within a few days of each other, five other guilds having already received their charters. The age of each guild dictated its position in the Lord Mayor's procession. The Merchant Taylors and the Skinners argued for fifty years as to which should go sixth in the procession. In the end, in 1494, Sir Robert Billesden, the Lord Mayor of the time, decreed that they should take it in turns to go sixth and seventh.

Hence at sixes and sevens, when one is unsure about something.

[Marsh]

http://www.worldwidewords.org/qa/qa-nin1.htm

[Quizmonster]

As far back as the 1300s, 'to set on six and seven' was to risk one's whole fortune on gambling. By far the most likely explanation, therefore, is that it came from an old dice-game. There have been other suggestions, but the idea that it has anything to do with the order of London Guilds has largely been dismissed.

[Clanad]

As to your question concerning "dressed to the nines"... check here for one theory...                   http://www.word-detective.com/back-f.html

Luck!

[mje1066]

To be at sixes and sevens is to be in a bad situtation, and the dice association is clear to anyone who's played dice games. In the classic game, "craps", the shooter rolls once, and then tries to roll a higher number. Rolling a lower number means a loss.

[jocook17]

Surely its from 'Bruce's The Price Is Right'!

Because if you get a 6 or a 7 the next card has an equal chance of being higher or lower - therefore your unsure of your next move - you might not win the car!!