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3. on an even keel

on an even keel

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on an even keel

calm and not likely to change suddenly My main priority is to keep my life on an even keel for the sake of my two boys.

See Don't even go there, break even

See also: even, keel, on

on an even keel

Stable, balanced, as in She had the knack of keeping us on an even keel in any emergency. This term, used figuratively since the mid-1800s, alludes to keeping a vessel's keel in a level position, assuring smooth sailing.

See also: even, keel, on

on an even keel

In a stable or unimpaired state: "There was good reason to keep relations with Washington on an even keel" (Helen Kitchen).

See also: even, keel, on