At sixes & sevens, and At odds

Posted by R. Berg July 24, 2003In 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."