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Glite Dictionary
six and two threes

six and two threes

9.9
Two choices that are about the same and make no difference
  • idiom
  • UK
translation icon : es lo mismo
  • Honestly, it's six and two threes whether we drive or take the train.

Examples

  • For me, Coke or Pepsi is six and two threes—they taste very similar.

  • Choosing between these two plans is just six and two threes.

  • The results will be six and two threes no matter which route we choose.

  • It's just six and two threes.

  • For me, Coke or Pepsi is six and two threes—they taste very similar.

  • Honestly, it's six and two threes whether we drive or take the train.

  • The results will be six and two threes no matter which route we choose.

Synonyms

one and the same
vssix and two threes
34 3.9

Exactly the same person or thing

focuses on equivalence of options rather than strict identity
six of one, half a dozen of the other
vssix and two threes
  • Informal
6.2

Two choices that are almost the same and make no real difference

means that choices are essentially equivalent rather than identical

Surface Forms

six and two threes main

Morphology

six + and + two + threes

The phrase uses transparent numeric words, but the intended meaning — that two options are effectively the same — is an idiomatic, language-specific use not derivable from literal arithmetic. A B1 learner who only knows the constituent words would likely interpret it numerically or be confused; the equivalence sense requires prior exposure (similar to 'six of one, half a dozen of the other').

Etymology

Six and two threes comes from simple math: six is the same as two threes, so two different ways give the same result. That's why people use it to say two options are 'the same' or make 'no real difference'.