Phrases Describing Experiences and Events

It proved to be a Pyrrhic victory.

C2

Meaning

A victory that comes at such a great cost that it's essentially a defeat.

Example sentences

John: So, you won the contract?

Alice: Yes, but it proved to be a Pyrrhic victory. The costs were far too high.

John: Oh dear. That's disappointing.

Alice: Exactly. In the end, it was a Pyrrhic victory.