A victory gained at too great a cost.the phrase 'pyrrhic victory' refers to the victory of the greek king pyrrhus (318 - 272 BC). Pyrrhus was king of the Hellenistic kingdom of Epirus. In 281 BC Tarentum in southern Italy asked his assisstance against Rome. Pyrrhus crossed to Italy with 25,000 men and 20 elephants. He tried to create a province of Sicily and lower Italy, but his many victories against Rome were so costly that he had to withdraw from Italy.

His remark 'Another such victory and I shall be ruined' gave name to the term 'Pyrrhic victory' for a victory obtained at too great a cost. Pyrrhus returned to Epirus, invaded Macedonia and made an unsuccessful attack on Sparta where he was killed.