Idioms

Roland

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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. Their army has quite an arsenal at their disposal—they're certainly capable of giving a Roland for an Oliver if we attack. I don't think it's worth it to storm the enemy camp, not when they could easily give us a Roland for an Oliver.
See also: an, for, 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!" If I don't refill my water bottle soon, I'm going to die like Roland on this hike!
See also: die, like, Roland
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

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: an, for, Roland
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
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References in periodicals archive
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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."
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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.
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| The PS2m Shannon class lifeboat, Edmund Hawthorn Micklewood, and PS1.2m launch and recovery system, Roland Hough, were named at a dedication ceremony.
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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.
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