# a Roland for an Oliver

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/a-roland-for-an-oliver
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Equal measure; measure for measure; adequate response.

## Examples

- He gave her a Roland for an Oliver after she insulted him.
- When the rival company lowered their prices, our manager gave them a Roland for an Oliver by launching a massive discount campaign.
- The political debate turned into a series of sharp retorts, with each candidate determined to provide a Roland for an Oliver until the very end of the broadcast.

## Origin

From the stories of Roland and Oliver, legendary knights of equal might.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.