Here's the breakdown:
* "Steady" refers to maintaining a constant course and speed.
* "She" is a common pronoun used to refer to a ship.
* "Goes" refers to the ship's motion.
The phrase was initially used as a command from the captain to the helmsman. The captain would shout "Steady as she goes!" to instruct the helmsman to keep the ship on its current course and speed.
The phrase gained wider usage beyond the nautical context, as it effectively conveys the idea of maintaining a consistent and controlled pace. It became a way to encourage stability, perseverance, and a lack of hasty actions.
Essentially, the phrase emphasizes the importance of keeping things moving along smoothly without sudden changes or disruptions.