even keel

even keel

1. adjective Calm and stable. I know this is a stressful time, but we need to try keep things as even keel as possible.
2. noun A calm and stable situation. The phrase alludes to a ship's keel, a supporting structure that helps to keep the ship stable in the water (and thus needs to be "even" or level). Whoa, let's all stop yelling and try to get back on an even keel!
See also: even, keel
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • keel
  • cooler heads will prevail
  • calm your tits
  • cool, calm, and collected
  • with both feet on the ground
  • both feet on the ground, with
  • after the dust has settled
  • after the dust settles
  • have both feet on the ground
  • have feet on the ground
References in periodicals archive
Independent mortgage brokers Charcol have hailed the Bank of England's base rate cut as evidence of the monetary policy committee's commitment to keeping the UK economy on an even keel.
"However, for all-round good health, Larissa should now follow a wholegrain-based diet, reducing wheat, having at least four servings of vegetables and three of fresh fruit each day to help keep blood sugar levels on an even keel." careful how fast they lose weight
The Hammers skipper reckons the club are back on an even keel despite the animosity between boss Gianfranco Zola and West Ham's owners.
However, Tony McCoy wasn't standing for any nonsense and soon had Benetwood back on an even keel, and they pulled away again.
In an effort to keep stress levels on an even keel, make sure to reduce intake of caffeine, sugar and artificial sweeteners.
DAVID GOLD has vowed Birmingham will remain on an even keel financially as the threat of relegation from the Premiership hangs over St Andrews.
The race did not start well for the 14-1 winner as he was hampered just after the stalls opened, although Jamie Spencer soon had him on an even keel before producing him with a well-timed run to hit the front just inside the last of the six furlongs.
Bates only stepped into the Elland Road hotseat in January, but has become concerned at a whispering campaign he feels is undermining his efforts to get Leeds back on an even keel.
Remembering the drunken attacks she was forced to endure she said: "I would try desperately to keep things on an even keel, staying calm.
Mr Williams, from Mold, Flintshire, had not previously sought a meeting with ministers, but now wanted to act in order to keep discussions over fuel on 'an even keel' after what he regarded as provocative statements by fellow-protesters such as the People's Fuel Lobby and Farmers For Action.
The volatile relationship had seen numerous bust-ups, but was thought to be on a more even keel after she gave birth to their son Lennon - named after the Beatles' legend.
OLDHAM put their ship back on an even keel follow-ing the midweek home defeat by Macclesfield with a battling draw at Northampton.
What an achievement for Hodgson to lead Fulham into Europe, set up a meeting with Juventus and put the club on an even keel. They really are a blueprint of how a club should be run.
For a few strides it looked as if he might run out and pounds 2,652 was hastily matched on Betfair at 12.0, but once Denman was back on an even keel he proved far too strong.
Blue-chip mining stocks were doing their best to keep the London market on an even keel with gains by the likes of.