On An Even Keel Idiom American Expressions and American Idioms

This database is a comprehensive collection of all the American idioms and slang available. American Idioms are many and varied. We hope you enjoy our collection. We are adding more all the time. .

on an even keel What does on an even keel mean?	to be in a well-ordered situation/condition	We got the new department running on an even keel before we took some time off.
on an even keel What does on an even keel mean?	calm and not likely to change suddenly, in a steady and well-balanced situation (the keel is the bottom of a boat or ship and when the boat is on an even keel it is balanced)	The new department was running on an even keel soon after it opened.
	Some Random Idioms
for the life of (someone) What does "for the life of (someone)" mean?	even if one's life were threatened (used with a negative and usually used when trying to remember something)	For the life of me I could not remember where I had put my house keys.

get at (someone or something) What does "get at (someone or something)" mean?	to attack or hit someone or something	Our dog tried to get at the other dog.
breathe down (someone`s) neck What does "breathe down (someone`s) neck" mean?	watch someone closely (often by standing right behind them), pressure someone to do something	My boss has been breathing down my neck all day to try and get me to finish the report.
have it out with (someone) What does "have it out with (someone)" mean?	argue or fight with someone	I had it out with my friend yesterday over the problem with the money.
pull the plug on (someone or something) What does "pull the plug on (someone or something)" mean?	to expose someone`s secret activities	The company pulled the plug on the salesman and everyone learned about his illegal sales activities.
appear out of nowhere What does "appear out of nowhere" mean?	to appear suddenly, to appear without warning	The dog appeared out of nowhere during our walk on the beach.
swallow one`s pride What does "swallow one`s pride" mean?	to bring one`s pride under control, to become humble	I had to swallow my pride and ask my father for some money.

Open all hours What does "Open all hours" mean?	If a shop or suchlike is open all hours, it only closes, if at all, terribly late.
a second thought What does "a second thought " mean?	a thought that one has after thinking about something again	"On second thought maybe you should bring an extra coat."
shy away from (someone or something) What does "shy away from (someone or something)" mean?	to avoid someone or something	Recently my doctor has shied away from giving me advice about my eating habits.
off (someone or something) goes What does "off (someone or something) goes" mean?	someone or something is leaving	"Off we go," I said as we opened the door and left the house.
eye of the storm What does "eye of the storm" mean?	the center of a problem	The politician was in the eye of the storm because of the accounting scandal.

American Idioms and Expressions

On An Even Keel Idiom