| 释义 |
on an even keel
e·ven 1 E0249200 (ē′vən)adj.1. a. Having a horizontal surface; flat: an even floor.b. Having no irregularities, roughness, or indentations; smooth. See Synonyms at level.c. Being in the same plane or line; parallel: The picture is even with the window.2. a. Having no variations or fluctuations; uniform: the even rhythm of his breathing.b. Of uniform distribution: an even application of varnish.c. Placid; calm: an even temperament.3. a. Equal or identical in degree, extent, or amount: Use even amounts of butter and sugar.b. Equally matched or balanced: an even fight.c. Just; fair: an even bargain.d. Having nothing due on either side; square: If we each take half, then we'll be even.e. Having exacted full revenge: He finally got even with his betrayer.4. Having equal probability; as likely as not: an even chance of winning.5. Sports a. Having an equal score: The teams are even at halftime.b. Being equal for each opponent. Used of a score.6. Mathematics a. Exactly divisible by 2.b. Characterized or indicated by a number exactly divisible by 2.7. a. Having an even number in a sequence.b. Having an even number of members.8. Having an exact amount, extent, or number; precise: an even pound; an even foot.adv.1. a. To a greater degree or extent. Used as an intensive with comparative adjectives and adverbs: This painting is good, but that one is even better.b. Indeed; moreover. Used as an intensive: He was happy, even ecstatic. Even a child knows better.c. Used as an intensive to indicate something that is unexpected: declined even to consider the idea.2. At the same time as; already; just: Even as we watched, the turtle emerged from its shell.3. To a degree that extends; fully: loyal even unto death.4. Exactly; precisely: It was even as he said: the jewel was gone.tr. & intr.v. e·vened, e·ven·ing, e·vens To make or become even.Idiom: on an even keel In a stable or unimpaired state: "There was good reason to keep relations with Washington on an even keel" (Helen Kitchen).
[Middle English, from Old English efen.]
e′ven·er n.e′ven·ly adv.e′ven·ness n.
e·ven 2 E0249200 (ē′vən)n. Archaic Evening.
[Middle English, from Old English ǣfen.]Translationson an even keel
on an even keelIn a calm and stable condition. Whoa, let's all stop yelling and try to get back on an even keel! I know this is a stressful time, but we need to try keep things on an even keel as much as possible.See also: even, keel, onon an even keelStable, balanced, as in She had the knack of keeping us on an even keel in any emergency. This term, used figuratively since the mid-1800s, alludes to keeping a vessel's keel in a level position, assuring smooth sailing. See also: even, keel, onon an even keel COMMON If someone or something is on an even keel, they are calm and not changing much, especially during a period of difficulties. She sees it as her role to keep the family on an even keel through its time of hardship. You may begin to wonder if having a baby was the right thing to do and whether you'll ever get back on an even keel. Note: The image here is of a ship moving along smoothly and steadily, because it is balanced and not leaning to either side. See also: even, keel, onon an even keel 1 (of a ship or aircraft) not tilting to one side. 2 (of a person or situation) functioning normally after a period of difficulty. 2 1991 Deirdre Purcell A Place of Stones Life ran on an even keel in the house as both of them came and went and became re-immersed in their own lives. See also: even, keel, onon an even ˈkeel living, working or happening in a calm way, with no sudden changes, especially after a difficult time: After all the troubles of the past weeks, life seems to be getting back on an even keel again.The keel is the long piece of wood or steel along the bottom of a ship, on which the frame is built, and which helps to keep it in a vertical position in the water.See also: even, keel, on on an even keel In a stable or unimpaired state: "There was good reason to keep relations with Washington on an even keel" (Helen Kitchen).See also: even, keel, onon an even keelIn stable condition, well balanced. The keel is a structure in the bottom of a vessel’s hull, extending along its full length and forming, in effect, its backbone. A boat is said to be on an even keel when it rides flat in the water, without tilting to either side. The image was extended to human affairs in the mid-nineteenth century. See also: even, keel, onEncyclopediaSeeeven |