Roland

Related to Roland: Korg

a Roland for an Oliver

An exchange, especially in battle, in which that which is given is equal in measure and might to that which is received. Named for the two legendary medieval knights Roland and Oliver, who fought for the emperor Charlemagne. Their feats and powers were so equally matched that they were considered to be equal measures of military prowess. The rebels might have scored a victory against us earlier, but we'll be sure to give them a Roland for an Oliver in our next offensive.
See also: Roland

die like Roland

To die from hunger or thirst. The phrase refers to Roland, a legendary French hero who is thought to have survived the battle of Roncesvalles, only to die of starvation and thirst while crossing the Pyrenees in 778 CE. Come on, man, if we don't stop for food and drinks soon, I'm going to die like Roland! A: "Can't you hear my stomach growling?" B: "All right, all right, we'll take a dinner break so you don't die like Roland!"
See also: die, like, Roland
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

a Roland for an Oliver

an effective or appropriate retort or response; tit for tat. archaic
The phrase alludes to the evenly matched single combat between Roland, the legendary nephew of Charlemagne, and Oliver, another of Charlemagne's knights (paladins). Neither man was victorious and a strong friendship subsequently developed between them. According to the French medieval epic the Chanson de Roland, Roland was in command of the rearguard of Charlemagne's army when it was ambushed at Roncesvalles (now Roncevaux) in the Pyrenees in 778 ; despite the urging of Oliver that he should blow his horn to summon aid, Roland refused to do so until too late, and they were slain along with the rest of the rearguard.
See also: Roland
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • a Roland for an Oliver
  • in equal measure(s)
  • in some, equal, etc. measure
  • fifty-fifty
  • equal in
  • equal in (someone or something)
  • even money
  • halvsies
  • equal to the occasion
  • die like Roland
References in periodicals archive
Arabia is the first company in the Middle East and Africa to be the first French project of Roland Garros brand in Egypt with an estimated investment of EGP 2bn.
Arabia Holding signs agreement with Roland Garros to be located within Sun Capital project
David responded with a birdie at the fifth but Roland chipped in for a birdie at the seventh.
Glory for David after thriller goes to wire; STIRLING
Despite his professional achievements and love for his work, Roland remained a child at heart.
Roland Robert Carlson, 75, former hospital CEO, dies here
Roland Foods specialises in importing high-quality speciality food products from more than 50 countries.
Roland Foods, LLC Acquires Albert Uster Imports to Expand Speciality Foods Platform
Based on Tessie's verified petition, the RTC issued a TPO enjoining Roland from committing and threatening to commit personally or through another, physical, verbal, emotional harm or abuse against Tessie and other family and household members; restraining him from harassing, annoying, texting, telephoning, contacting or otherwise communicating with Tessie, directly or indirectly or from engaging in any psychological form of harassment for a period of 30 days.
Valid and legal order
If you have seen Roland, or you have any information as to his whereabouts, you are asked not to approach him directly but to contact Surrey Police on 101, quoting crime reference PR/45180058067.
An 'extremely vulnerable' Guildford man has gone missing and police are concerned for his welfare; Roland Jones, 27, was last seen around 12.30pm on Sunday (June 3)
Roland said the project had taken "thousands of hours of painstaking manual labour", adding: "It has been a wonderful way of keeping fit."
Blood sweat sand tears; OAP finishes building beach after 33yrs
Roland's disappearance prompted widespread concern as a search mounted for her.
Missing Sports Reporter Courtney Roland Had Adverse Reaction To Medicine
Roland is not only revered at The Pink Link, but throughout Palletways - the distribution network to which The Pink Link and more than 110 other member companies belong.
Roland a driving force
Roland is a seasoned finance and operations executive and a corporate governance expert known for his ability to strategise and lead financial restructurings for start-ups, mature firms and joint ventures.
GBI gets a new boss on the board
The 108 TOP Roland Garros is offered as a white three or five-door model with a 99g/km 1.2-litre 80bhp petrol engine.
A number of changes to Peugeots
Roland is the professional at the Flintshire club, and also serves as club manager and secretary and oversees the green staff.
Hawarden pro Roland is PGA North captain; GET IN THE HOLE
| The PS2m Shannon class lifeboat, Edmund Hawthorn Micklewood, and PS1.2m launch and recovery system, Roland Hough, were named at a dedication ceremony.
New PS2m Hoylake lifeboat and launch officially named
Many musicians have been asking EzDEALe to carry and sell the iconic Roland V-Pro Electronic Drums for years.
A Free New Market for Sellers and Buyers to Find Deals on Roland Electronic V-Drums. EzDEALe Launches New and Used Electric Drum Categories.