Meaning of even keel | Babel Free

Definitions

1. The situation in which a watercraft is floating or proceeding in a smooth and level manner.
2. Of an emotion or state of mind, the state or characteristic of being under control and balanced.
   idiomatic
3. Of a business or other activity, the state or characteristic of being well controlled and running smoothly.
   idiomatic

Examples

“[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.”

“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.”

“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.”

CEFR level