what does “keel” mean? I can’t understand the dictionary definition of the word “keel”, hope anybody can help 😊Here is a quote from the book I”m reading,“ I actively try to manage stress in my life,

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what does “keel” mean?

I can’t understand the dictionary definition of the word “keel”, hope anybody can help 😊

Here is a quote from the book I”m reading,

“ I actively try to manage stress in my life, and I’m proud of the fact that I can do my job well and stay on an even keel most of the time. Maybe some people don’t believe that a person can appear relaxed and handle this demanding job at the same time. But for me, maintaining my equilibrium is the key. It helps me function better and get things done more efficiently. “

Jun 29, 2020 9:27 PM

Comments · 5

Hello Ryan! The phrase “stay on an even keel” is a metaphor. A keel is the bottom piece of a boat that is super heavy and helps keep the boat from capsizing (flipping upside down). When a boat is at sea in a storm, the keel helps keep the boat upright.

The author is using the metaphor of a keel to describe how he is managing his stress without letting it affect his job most of the time. The metaphor describes how he is battling stress at his job like how a boat tries not to get knocked over by waves on the sea. An “even keel”, means keeping the boat upright. I hope that helps!!

-Hannah

June 29, 2020

In this context, it means they are progressing steadily without sudden changes or it going wrong. Hope this helps.

June 29, 2020

My dictionary tells that "to keep a boat on an even keel" means to keep the boat untilted.

"An even keel" just means "balance" I suppose.

June 29, 2020

I looked up almost every available dictionary to understand the word " keel " definition 😕. I didn't expect that there's an idiom called "on an even keel ". 😂😂 silly me.

@Richard-Business , @Hannah, @morgan jones, @Joy That was helpful, thank you so much.

June 30, 2020