16 July 2015

Pyrrhic victory

noun

1. a victory or goal achieved at too great a cost.

Compare Cadmean victory.

Origin of Pyrrhic victory

Greek

1880-1885; < Greek Pyrrikós; after a remark attributed by Plutarch to Pyrrhus, who declared, after a costly victory over the Romans, that another similar victory would ruin him

Dictionary.com

Examples from the web for Pyrrhic victory

But Howard Kurtz says it could prove a Pyrrhic victory that could threaten his second-term agenda.
(Obama Fiscal Cliff Victory Could Invite Years of Warfare With the GOP Howard Kurtz January 1, 2013)

That sounds like a setup for what is known as a Pyrrhic victory.
(Will Leno Be Funnier at 10? Kim Masters April 13, 2009)

Anagram

pry rich victory
rich crypt ivory

Today’s quote

Our true nationality is mankind.

– H. G. Wells

On this day

16 July 622 – The Prophet Mohammad escapes from Mecca and travels to Medina, marking the beginning of both Islam and the Islamic calendar.

16 July 1439 – England bans kissing in an effort to stop the spreading of germs.