Pyrrhic victory

"Any momentary triumph you think gained through argument is really a Pyrrhic victory: The resentment and ill will you stir up is stronger and lasts longer than any momentary change of opinion."
[The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene and Joost Elffers*]

NOUN: A victory that is offset by staggering losses.
ETYMOLOGY: After Pyrrhus, King of Epirus (306–302 and 297–272) who defeated the Romans at Heraclea (280) and Asculum (279) despite his own staggering losses.
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