keel

Everyday

1. A keel is the long piece along the bottom of a boat that keeps it steady in the water. tree →
2. To keel over (informal) is to fall over suddenly, especially when fainting. tree →
3. «On an even keel» means calm and steady. tree →

In the lessons

Used in sailing, boat-building and everyday phrases: «keel over», «on an even keel». In science, the keel helps a boat stay upright and go straight.

Examples

• The boat's keel scraped on the rocks. tree →
• He keeled over in the heat. tree →
• Things are back on an even keel now. tree →
• Sailing boats need a deep keel. tree →
• The ship's keel was laid first. tree →
• The old tree keeled over in the storm. tree →
• Then they set to work and built a long ship, and its keel they made of the rowan tree. tree →

Note

«Keel over» is informal. Do not confuse with «kneel» (go down on your knees). Safety: if someone keels over, get an adult and call for help.