What does this phrase mean: "even steven"?

[Rich7]

Test No. incompl/inter-83 "Save Our Animals (3)", question 3

She just wished that her father could ......... and be even steven (fair) about her side of the argument.

(a) try
(b) trying
(c) tried
(d) tries

Test No. incompl/inter-83 "Save Our Animals (3)", answer 3

She just wished that her father could try and be even steven (fair) about her side of the argument.

Correct answer: (a) try

Your answer was: correct
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what's the word here for fair I don't get it...

[Torsten]

The expression even steven means fair. It will greatly help if you read Alan story here:
http://www.english-test.net/lessons/36/index.html

TOEFL listening lectures: A lecture from an Art History class

[Aiken]

Dear teachers,

Why "even steven" means fair?

Thanks in advance

Aiken
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Man proposes; God disposes

[Beeesneees]

Hello Aiken,

No one is exactly sure of the origin of this phrase.

'Even' means 'fair', and most people seem to think that "Even Steven" (also known in some areas as 'Even Stevens') is merely modern rhyming word-play (like "drop dead, Fred", "see you later, alligator" "silly-billy", or "know what I mean, jelly bean?").

There are other theories, including one about a racehorse with the name 'Even Stevens' (that much is fact) who was so good that the odds offered on him in a race were generally no better than 'even'. Another theory dates the phrase back to the beginning of the 18th Century but it gets very complex at this point.
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"Inside every old person is a young person wondering what happened."
Terry Pratchett

[Aiken]

Dear Bees,

Thanks your fully explanation.
For me these rhymings are actually so strange.
Further, do they all originate from America? I've just heard one from my British friends.

Aiken
_________________
Man proposes; God disposes

[Beeesneees]

Most rhyming slang phrases seem to originate from Britain (including this one).
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"Inside every old person is a young person wondering what happened."
Terry Pratchett

[Saneta]

please explain: about her side of the argument?
argument=quarrel, row?

[Beeesneees]

yes
_________________
"Inside every old person is a young person wondering what happened."
Terry Pratchett

[Alan]

Hi,

I know it as 'even stevens'.

I found this:

[Saneta]

pleae explain:
and be fair about her side of the argument?

many thanks

[Beeesneees]

That's a partial sentence. What's the rest?
_________________
"Inside every old person is a young person wondering what happened."
Terry Pratchett

[Saneta]

I know that's a part of the sentence, but what does it mean?

thanks

[Alan]

Hi Saneta,

[Saneta]

many thanks!