on steady ground

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on steady ground" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or condition that is stable, secure, or reliable. Example: "After months of uncertainty, the company is finally on steady ground and ready to expand its operations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

He doesn't want to fly high; it's enough to walk on steady ground.

The New York Times - Books

When he gazes outward, Weber is on steady ground.

Huffington Post

But comedy isn't about walking on steady ground all the time.

Vice

The process was frustrating for Chabon, who, in his words, "never felt like I was conceptually on steady ground".

Wikipedia

On one of the few walls left standing, someone has spray-painted, "Now what?" Dressed in a dusty black T-shirt and matching grimy slacks, he steps over piles of concrete balanced atop the detritus of interrupted lives as if he's walking on steady ground.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Today, Novatel's business is on steadier ground.

Forbes

Wall Street got its latest signal that the global economic recovery is on steadier ground Wednesday when Dow Chemical reported solid growth across its business and trumped the market's expectations.

Forbes

We were on steadier ground when we asked her to explain a little bit about how the collaboration came about.

Vice

BEST TV OF 2013 Lloyd | McNamara OWN is now on steadier ground with a couple of hits from Tyler Perry and an upcoming reality series about troubled Lindsay Lohan that is certain to attract a lot of attention.

Los Angeles Times

The critic Richard Gilman said of the book: "In 'Armies of the Night,' the rough force of Mailer's imagination, his brilliant wayward gifts of observation, his ravishing if often calculated honesty and his chutzpah all flourish on the steady ground of a newly coherent subject and theme".

The New York Times - Books

On the one side is the relatively steady ground of alternative comedy; on the other is the sheer drop in to racist buffoonery.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on steady ground" to emphasize stability after a period of uncertainty or turbulence. It provides a sense of reassurance and preparedness for future challenges.

Common error

Avoid using "on steady ground" to imply complete invulnerability. It suggests stability and preparedness but doesn't guarantee the absence of future risks or challenges. Acknowledge potential future obstacles.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on steady ground" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, often describing the state or condition of something or someone. As Ludwig AI confirms, it typically indicates a state of stability or security.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on steady ground" signifies stability, security, and reliability, typically following a period of uncertainty. While grammatically correct and versatile, as per Ludwig AI, its usage is relatively rare, most commonly appearing in news and media contexts. When writing, consider alternatives such as "on solid ground" or "in a stable position" for similar connotations. Avoid overstating its meaning to imply absolute security. Remember that this phrase suggests preparedness, not guaranteed invulnerability. It's essential to maintain contextual awareness when using "on steady ground" to ensure accurate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on firm footing

Replaces "steady" with "firm" and "ground" with "footing", emphasizing stability.

on solid ground

Replaces "steady" with "solid", highlighting a strong, dependable base.

in a stable position

Uses a broader term, "stable", to refer to the state of being secure rather than the foundation itself.

in a secure situation

Focuses on the feeling of safety and security derived from a stable state.

well-established

Describes something that is firmly in place and unlikely to change.

on even keel

Implies a state of balance and control, often used in the context of organizations or emotions.

in a strong position

Highlights the advantage or power that comes with stability.

standing strong

Emphasizes resilience and the ability to withstand challenges.

on terra firma

A more literal and somewhat humorous way of saying on solid ground, often used to express relief after a period of uncertainty or instability.

with a firm foundation

Highlights the importance of a solid base for future success and stability.

FAQs

What does it mean to be "on steady ground"?

Being "on steady ground" means being in a stable, secure, or reliable situation. It often implies having overcome previous challenges or uncertainties and being prepared for what's ahead.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "on steady ground"?

It's appropriate to use "on steady ground" when you want to emphasize that a situation has become stable and secure, especially after a period of instability or difficulty. For example, "After months of restructuring, the company is finally "on steady ground" and ready to grow."

What are some alternatives to saying "on steady ground"?

Alternatives include "on solid ground", "on firm footing", in a stable position, or well-established. The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

How is "on steady ground" different from "on shaky ground"?

"On steady ground" describes a situation that is stable and secure, while "on shaky ground" describes a situation that is unstable, uncertain, or risky. They are antonyms, representing opposite states of affairs.