steady the ship

steady the ship

1. To steer a ship so that it sails smoothly. I'm really glad they've steadied the ship—those waves were making me so nauseous!
2. By extension, to restore calm and order to a situation. I just recently got divorced, so I hope my mother moving in and helping with the kids will steady the ship. We just hired a new supervisor to steady the ship after this merger.
See also: ship, steady
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • when (one's) ship comes in
  • when my ship comes in
  • when one's ship comes in
  • when ship comes in
  • when someone's ship comes in
  • when your ship comes in
  • when your ship/boat comes in
  • abandon ship
  • break ship
  • be broad in the beam
References in periodicals archive
The other factor is that there's now a new headteacher in post which always helps steady the ship."
School needs more than a new building
Caretaker boss Huub Stevens couldn't steady the ship as Schalke slipped to a 1-0 loss to RB Leipzig.
Shaking Stevens as Huub fails to halt Schalke's slide
Meanwhile, PBA Philippine Cup titlist San Miguel Beer tries to steady the ship in its journey in the Governors Cup as it unveils former Utah Jazz Kevin Murphy against Magnolia tonight at the Big Dome.
Gin Kings halt Fuel Masters, seize lead
In reply, Marton lost early wickets, but Matthew Perilli made 71 to steady the ship and in the end they made 179-8.
Great day as Ayton move to the top
Pocari Sweat hopes to steady the ship after a wobbly end to the elimination round when it takes on Air Force in the playoffs of the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference on Saturday at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
Pocari, Creamline shoot for quarterfinal headstart
He said he would attempt to "steady the ship" over the coming weeks and months but that "fresh leadership" was needed.
Cameron declares he is stepping down from office
But the situation for me is to help steady the ship. It's as simple as that."
warnock not set to stick; Name v Name Championship: 3pm QPR v Preston
The latest of those was a 26-10 reverse at Gloucester, Gene hoping he can steady the ship ahead of tomorrow's visit of league leaders Oldham.
RUGBY LEAGUE
Essien managed to steady the ship and bring in some important shareholders to strengthen Ecobank's capital base.
Ecobank CEO named African Banker of the Year
But after seeing Tom Wade (pictured) and Colin Myers "steady the ship" following an unstable period that saw Spartans relegated from Conference North, the midfielder is keen for the club to remain "settled", and start climbing the Evo-Stik Premier table.
Neal Hooks hopes Blyth Spartans can push for promotion; Blyth Spartans welcome Curzon Ashton to Croft Park aiming to mount a charge for the play-off positions
It was a fabulous day for me so it's nice to get the opportunity now, when it's a bit hectic again, to try to steady the ship."
Warnock debt to Eagles fans
"He did so well there last year but something may have gone on between Tony and someone at the club and Keith Millen has had to steady the ship. "A" s long as their application and attitude is right they should beat us but this is a one-off cup game and we're looking forward to playing."
Smith out to down Eagles
That process has started by attempting to steady the ship in their remaining games in Super League before planning for a life in the Championship and, hopefully, a quick top-flight return.
Highs of the Lowes; Opposition guide
New manager Dean Saunders has been brought in to steady the ship, but most of the quality in the squad has been sold and they will do well just to keep clear of a relegation fight.
Leicester v Wolves 7.45pm Thursday, [...]
It has taken Nigel Pearson time to steady the ship after taking over from Sven Goran Eriksson.
Sam Spread Colin Duncan