On even keel

On even keel
Even E"ven, a. [AS. efen. efn; akin to OS. eban, D. even, OHG. eban, G. efen, Icel. jafn, Dan. jevn, Sw. j["a]mn, Goth. ibns. Cf. {Anent}, {Ebb}.] 1. Level, smooth, or equal in surface; not rough; free from irregularities; hence uniform in rate of motion of action; as, even ground; an even speed; an even course of conduct. [1913 Webster]

2. Equable; not easily ruffled or disturbed; calm; uniformly self-possessed; as, an even temper. [1913 Webster]

3. Parallel; on a level; reaching the same limit. [1913 Webster]

And shall lay thee even with the ground. --Luke xix. 44. [1913 Webster]

4. Balanced; adjusted; fair; equitable; impartial; just to both sides; owing nothing on either side; -- said of accounts, bargains, or persons indebted; as, our accounts are even; an even bargain. [1913 Webster]

To make the even truth in pleasure flow. --Shak. [1913 Webster]

5. Without an irregularity, flaw, or blemish; pure. ``I know my life so even.'' --Shak. [1913 Webster]

6. Associate; fellow; of the same condition. [Obs.] ``His even servant.'' --Wyclif (Matt. xviii. 29). [1913 Webster]

7. Not odd; capable of division by two without a remainder; -- said of numbers; as, 4 and 10 are even numbers. [1913 Webster]

Whether the number of the stars is even or odd. --Jer. Taylor. [1913 Webster]

{On even ground}, with equal advantage.

{On even keel} (Naut.), in a level or horizontal position. [1913 Webster]


The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.

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  • even keel — If something is on an even keel, it is balanced …   The small dictionary of idiomes

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  • On even keel — Keel Keel, n. [Cf. AS. ce[ o]l ship; akin to D. & G. kiel keel, OHG. chiol ship, Icel. kj[=o]ll, and perh. to Gr. gay^los a round built Ph[oe]nician merchant vessel, gaylo s bucket; cf. Skr. g[=o]la ball, round water vessel. But the meaning of… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • on even keel — phrasal or on an even keel 1. of a ship a. : having approximately the same draft forward and aft; sometimes : having the load water line of the ship parallel to the surface of the water (as in a ship whose natural draft is much greater aft than… …   Useful english dictionary

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  • an even keel — good balance, stability    We need a steady manager, one who can keep an even keel …   English idioms

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