Pyrrhic Victory
Definition
Pyrrhic victory - A win so costly that it feels like a loss. Originating from King Pyrrhus of Epirus’ costly victory over the Romans at Asculum in 279 B.C., where his significant losses led him to lament, “Another such victory and I am lost.”
Related and Similar Terms
- Hollow victory: A win with little true value.
- Booby prize: A mocking prize for the biggest loser.
- Bittersweet triumph: Win with an element of sadness.
Synonyms
- Costly success
- Bitter triumph
- Hollow win
Antonyms
- Decisive victory
- Triumphant win
- Unqualified success
Humor-Filled Quotes
“Victory is sweet, but success without struggle is duck gravy with no duck to dip.” — Milly the Philosopher Duck
Proverbs and Analogies
- “He who fights and runs away lives to fight another day.”: Sometimes retreating ensures you can truly achieve your goals later.
- “You gain some, you lose some.”: Every triumph and defeat is part of the grander scheme of things.
Literary and Cinematic References
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Books:
- War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy: Sometimes the victories on the battlefield lead to more suffering and loss than anticipated.
- Cato, a Tragedy by Joseph Addison: A tale where the cost of victory weighs heavily on the characters.
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Movies:
- Glory (1989): A depiction of the costly victory for the Union Army’s first African-American regiment in the American Civil War.
- The Mission (1986): A conquest creating more loss than gain.
Inspirational Thought-Provoking Farewell
Remember, sometimes the path to true victory isn’t through calculated wins on the battlefield but through the places you never thought to look. Your greatest triumph might just be in your ability to walk away for another, brighter day.
### Which one of these terms is related to a “Pyrrhic victory”?
- [x] Hollow win
- [ ] Quick triumph
- [ ] Effortless success
- [ ] Glittering victory
> **Explanation:** A "Hollow win" is related to a Pyrrhic victory as both refer to costly successes where the victory is devalued by significant loss.
### Which expression fits the idea of a Pyrrhic victory?
- [ ] A clean sweep
- [ ] Sweet revenge
- [ ] Total domination
- [x] Costly success
> **Explanation:** "Costly success" perfectly encapsulates the essence of a Pyrrhic victory, where the win comes with debilitating losses.
### True or False: A Pyrrhic victory is always a desirable victory only achieved after much struggle.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** False. A Pyrrhic victory isn't a desirable victory due to its heavy and often unbearable cost.
