expression, i-adjective
not knowing what's what; unable to make heads or tails
Expresses total confusion about a situation; the speaker cannot grasp what is happening or what things mean. Often used when overwhelmed by information or chaos.
See also: 何が何だかわからない (なにがなんだかわからない)
説明が複雑すぎて、何が何やらわからない。
The explanation is too complicated; I can't make heads or tails of it.
初めての海外旅行で、空港に着いたときは何が何やらわからなかった。
On my first trip abroad, when I arrived at the airport I didn't know what was what.