steady hand on the tiller
Reliable, composed control (of an organization or situation).
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The company needs a steady hand on the tiller during this crisis.”
“With the market crashing, the board of directors looked for a leader who could provide a steady hand on the tiller.”
“Throughout the turbulent transition of power, the interim director maintained a steady hand on the tiller, ensuring the organization remained focused on its long-term goals.”
- 01
back of one's hand
A display of disrespect or scorn.
- 02
bear a hand
To make haste; to help quickly.
- 03
big hand
Synonym of minute hand (on a clock face).
- 04
bite someone's hand off
To enthusiastically accept an offer.
- 05
bite the hand that feeds one
To cause harm to a benefactor (especially one that one is dependent on, thus with the idea that this behaviour is self-damaging).
- 06
cap in hand
In a humble and respectful manner.
- 07
cold hand
Used in reference to a player who fails to make successful shots in a game.
- 08
deal a bad hand
To assign unfavorable circumstances in life to someone.
Last updated August 10, 2026