Words / C1

PIR-ik/ˈpɪrɪk/

A pyrrhic victory is won at so great a cost that it is hardly worth winning: a pyrrhic cut, a pyrrhic save. Victory (already in the dictionary) is everyday; a saving is still a catchment hole if the bus dies.

Meaning

A pyrrhic victory is won at too great a cost to be worthwhile (from victory, already in the dictionary).

Examples

• “A pyrrhic cut to the night bus is still a catchment hole.”
• “Victory is already in this course. Costly is the close twin. A saving is a slogan. A last-service time is a file. Publish the time; then keep the saving if the bus still runs.”

Good to know

Won at too high a cost. Everyday: victory (already in the dictionary). A saving ≠ a last bus.

Near in meaning

costly, hollow, ruinous

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