Definition
旗鼓相当 is a four-character idiom meaning 'evenly matched in strength or ability'. This comes from ancient warfare — 旗 'banners' and 鼓 'drums' were used to signal troops, so two armies with equally strong banners and drums were well-matched. You can use it for competitors, teams, or any two sides in a comparison that are very close in skill or power.
f.e.
evenly matchedcomparable in strength or ability
Examples
- 旗鼓相当，。Zhè liǎng zhī qiúduì qí gǔ xiāng dāng, shéi yíng dōu hěn nán shuō.These two teams are evenly matched — it's hard to say who will win.
- 旗鼓相当，。Tāmen liǎ de qíyì qí gǔ xiāng dāng, měi pán qí dōu xià de hěn jīliè.Their chess skills are comparable; every game is fiercely contested.
- 旗鼓相当，。Liǎng ge gōngsī zài jìshù shàng qí gǔ xiāng dāng, hézuò bǐ jìngzhēng gèng yǒulì.The two companies are evenly matched in technology — cooperation is more beneficial than competition.
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