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Glite Dictionary
on keel

on keel

1 8.2
In a stable state after problems
  • idiom
translation icon : en equilibrio
  • Now that the system is on keel, we can start planning for expansion.

Examples

  • The ship is on keel.

  • The manager worked hard to keep the team on keel despite the changes.

  • After several hectic months, operations are finally on keel.

  • Don't worry, everything will be on keel soon!

  • After some initial confusion, the team's project was finally back on keel.

  • She took a moment to gather her thoughts and get her emotions on keel before responding.

  • With the new plan in place, everything at the company is now on keel again.

Synonyms

even keel
vson keel
  • Informal
5 5.3

A calm, steady state after a time of trouble

emphasizes returning to balance after disorder
on an even keel
vson keel
3 4.3

In a steady, calm state and working smoothly

is used especially after a prior disruption
stabilized
vson keel
  • US
3.5

Made steady so it does not move or change easily

describes the steady state reached after being disorganized
poised
vson keel
4.6

Balanced and ready to move

describes stability after upset, not readiness to act

Antonyms

unstable
80 4.4

Not steady and likely to change, fail, or fall

disorganized
  • US
38 3.1

Not in a clear order or plan

How Stable

stable
473 2.3
on keel
1 8.2
to steady
41 3.4
wobbly
36 3.6

Surface Forms

on keel positive

Morphology

on + keel

The noun 'keel' denotes a structural element related to a ship's balance, so a learner who knows that literal meaning can plausibly infer a metaphorical sense of stability when combined with 'on'. However, the expression relies on a nautical metaphor (and is more commonly seen as 'on an even keel'), so the mapping from parts to the idiomatic sense requires world knowledge and is not fully predictable for a B1 learner.

Etymology

The phrase on keel comes from old sailors. When a ship sits correctly on its keel, it is upright and steady after leaning, so saying something is on keel means it is 'stable' or 'back in order'.