Pyrrhic victory

For the EP by Zao, see Pyrrhic Victory (EP). For the album by Intwine, see Pyrrhic Victory (album).
James G. Blaine finally gained the 1884 Republican nomination for U.S. president on his third attempt: "Another victory like this and our money's gone!"

A Pyrrhic victory (/ˈpɪrɪk/ ⓘ PIRR-ik) is a victory that inflicts such a devastating toll on the victor that it is tantamount to defeat.[1] Such a victory negates any true sense of achievement or damages long-term progress.

The phrase originates from a quote from Pyrrhus of Epirus, whose triumph against the Romans in the Battle of Asculum in 279 BC destroyed much of his forces, forcing the end of his campaign.

  1. ^ Gill, N.S. (November 16, 2019). "What Is a Pyrrhic Victory, and How Did the Term Begin?". ThoughtCo. Archived from the original on April 23, 2023. Retrieved November 25, 2023.