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Synonyms

on an even keel

Idioms  
  1. 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.


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

He points out that energy stocks have “virtually retraced their wartime gains,” and adds that “even the bond market is back on an even keel after yesterday’s rally.”

From Barron's ● Apr. 15, 2026

I sacrificed everything I have to be able to get back on an even keel for them.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 31, 2024

“He kept things on an even keel and maybe that dynamic between Jeremiah and Isaac made that band sort of work.”

From Seattle Times ● Mar. 1, 2023

But the secret to staying on an even keel, Tomlinson believes, is avoiding hotel rooms.

From BBC ● Sep. 16, 2022

Tansy had us on an even keel now.

From "The Teacher’s Funeral" by Richard Peck

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