(~s, ~ing, ~ed)
1.
The ~ of a boat is the long, specially shaped piece of wood or steel along the bottom of it.
N-COUNT
2.
If you say that someone or something is on an even ~, you mean that they are working or progressing smoothly and steadily, without any sudden changes.
Jason had helped him out with a series of loans, until he could get back on an even ~.
PHRASE: PHR after v, v-link PHR