even keel

Definitions

1. 1

   The situation in which a watercraft is floating or proceeding in a smooth and level…

   The situation in which a watercraft is floating or proceeding in a smooth and level manner.

   • [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.
2. 2

   Of an emotion or state of mind, the state or characteristic of being under control and…

   Of an emotion or state of mind, the state or characteristic of being under control and balanced.

   • 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.
3. 3

   Of a business or other activity, the state or characteristic of being well controlled and…

   Of a business or other activity, the state or characteristic of being well controlled and running smoothly.

   • 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.

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