A Pyrrhic victory

Meaning

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

Examples

• John: They won the battle, but at what cost?
• Alice: It was <b>a Pyrrhic victory</b>; 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 <b>a Pyrrhic victory</b>, leaving them weakened and vulnerable.