Phrases Discussing Sports and Games

A Pyrrhic victory

C2

Meaning

A victory that comes at such a great cost that it is scarcely better than defeat.

Example sentences

John: They won the battle, but at what cost?

Alice: It was a Pyrrhic victory; their losses were nearly as significant as the enemy's.

John: So essentially, a costly win that's hardly worth it.

Alice: Precisely. It was a Pyrrhic victory, leaving them weakened and vulnerable.