even keel
(Redirected from on an even keel)
See also: even-keel
English
editAlternative forms
editNoun
editeven keel (plural even keels)
- (nautical) The situation in which a watercraft is floating or proceeding in a smooth and level manner.
- 1855, Washington Irving, “The Bermudas”, in Woolfert’s Roost and Other Papers:
- [T]he rude winds died away; and gradually a light breeze sprang up directly aft, filling out every sail, and wafting us smoothly along on an even keel.
- (idiomatic, of emotions, etc.) The state or characteristic of being under control and balanced.
- 2007 December 26, Denise Grady, “Coping With Alzheimer’s: Disease Brings Drastic Changes to Patients, and Stress to Family Members”, in New York Times, retrieved 14 December 2013:
- The disease . . . plays havoc with mood, personality, perception and thought, and can require constant adjustments by friends and relatives just to keep life on an even keel.
- (idiomatic, of a business or other activity) The state or characteristic of being well controlled and running smoothly.
- 2010 December 14, Steve Schaefer, “Stocks Stable, Best Buy Battered”, in forbes.com, retrieved 14 December 2013:
- Wall Street was on a fairly even keel Tuesday morning but the same could not be said for Best Buy as the company's stock plummeted.