Definition
A political win achieved at such devastating cost that it might as well be a loss. It's succeeding so hard you destroy yourself in the process—the legislative equivalent of winning the battle but losing the war.
Example Usage
Passing the controversial bill proved a pyrrhic victory; the party lost 30 seats in the next election specifically because of voter backlash.
Origin
From King Pyrrhus of Epirus, who defeated Rome in 279 BCE but lost so many troops he said 'One more such victory and we are lost'
Fun Fact
The 2005 special session to intervene in the Terri Schiavo case is often cited as a pyrrhic victory—Congress got its way but suffered lasting political damage.
Source: Political strategy terminology
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