on an even keel
4
4.3
- idiom
- So, you know, now things are back on on an even keel after all this tragedy.
- keep things on an even keel
- stay on an even keel
- get on an even keel
Loading YouTube…
Watch on YouTubeSo, you know, now things are back on on an even keel after all this tragedy.
- So, you know, now things are back on on an even keel after all this tragedy.
- And what else that's about that that kind of keeps things on an even keel most of the time.
- So both sides, you can see, have made an effort to keep the relationship on an even keel.
Examples
-
It will be incumbent on the new administration, Democratic or Republican, to keep Asia on an even keel by building on the accomplishments of the Bush White House.
Academic text (2007) -
Thus, helping responsible elements in Pakistan to keep the government on an even keel must be a high priority.
Blog text (24) -
You know, to keep things on an even keel, right?
-
Well, I expect that some people do it to keep things on an even keel.
-
Still, she was part of his team and he wanted to keep things on an even keel.
Fiction book (1991) -
These two kept her on an even keel.
Fiction book (1991) -
This will get our country back on an even keel.
Blog text (3) -
Meanwhile, Chinese policymakers are also making great efforts to keep relations on an even keel.
Academic text (2005) -
Instead, American-Australian relations were put on an even keel.
Academic text (1998) -
To ensure a successful project, we need to keep our progress on an even keel throughout the year.
Synonyms
14
3.5
Having the right mix of parts so it works well
5
8.2
In a stable state after problems
Antonyms
How Stable
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning is directly derivable from the constituents: 'even' = level/smooth and 'keel' = the ship's longitudinal base that determines stability, so something 'on an even keel' literally means level and therefore stable. The preposition 'on' and article are straightforward locative markers; this maritime metaphor is compositional and predictable for learners who know the component words.
Etymology
On an even keel comes from old sailors. If a ship's keel is level, the boat sits straight in the water and does not rock, so the phrase means 'in a stable or balanced state'.