subs. (nautical).—The utmost confusion; everything topsy-turvy. For synonyms, see SIXES AND SEVENS.
1840. R. H. DANA, Jr., Two Years Before the Mast, ch. ii. Everything was pitched about in grand confusion. There was a complete HURRAH’S NEST, as the sailors say, ‘everything on top and nothing at hand.’
1869. H. B. STOWE, Oldtown Folks, ch. iv. Here you ’ve got our clock all to pieces, and have been keeping up a perfect HURRAH’S NEST in our kitchen for three days…. Do either put that clock together or let it alone!
