When the show was about to begin, we were still at sixes and sevens. This means that we were

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks about the idiom "at sixes and sevens" in the sentence: "When the show was about to begin, we were still at sixes and sevens."

Step 2: Explain the concept "At sixes and sevens" is an English idiom meaning in a state of confusion, disorder, or disarray. It describes a situation where things are badly organized or people are unsure of what to do. It has nothing to do with actual numbers.

Step 3: Work through the sentence

• "When the show was about to begin" means the event was almost starting.
• "We were still at sixes and sevens" means we were still not ready, disorganized and uncertain.

Now check each option:

• A. confused: Fits perfectly. Being disorganized and unprepared just before a show means being in confusion.
• B. in groups: This is a literal reading of "sixes and sevens" as numbers. It is wrong.
• C. excited: Nothing in the idiom suggests excitement.
• D. faraway: The idiom has no link to distance.

Step 4: Answer The correct option is A. confused.

Step 5: Exam tip For idiom questions, never translate the words literally. Ask yourself, "What situation does the whole phrase describe?" Memory trick: if things are at "sixes and sevens," the numbers are all mixed up, so everything is mixed up and confused. Similar idioms to revise: "in a pickle" (in trouble), "at a loose end" (having nothing to do).