Idiom alphabetical list

English idioms & idiomatic expressions

List of idioms with their meaning and an example of use.

(Please use the scrollbar to browse the list.)

Alphabetical list of idioms - P

a pack of lies

A large number of untruthful statements is referred to as a pack of lies.

The story about her unhappy childhood turned out to be a pack of lies.

ahead of the pack

If a person or organization is ahead of the pack, they are better or more successful

than their rivals.

Our products will have to be more innovative if we are to stay ahead of the pack.

pack something in

If you pack something in, you abandon it or give it up.

She found city life so stressful, she decided to pack it in and move to the country.

packed like sardines

If a group of people are packed like sardines, they are pressed together tightly

and uncomfortably because there is not enough space.

The bus was very crowded - we were packed like sardines!

pad the bill

If someone pads the bill, they add false items to a bill or invoice in order to

increase the total amount.

Check the invoice carefully before paying - he tends to pad the bill!

paint the town red

If you paint the town red, you go out and enjoy a lively evening in bars, night-clubs,

etc.

To celebrate the victory, the team's supporters painted the town red.

paint oneself into a corner

If you paint yourself into a corner, you get yourself into a bad situation that it is

difficult or impossible to get out of.

Andy painted himself into a corner by signing a contract with a friend who turned

out to be incompetent.

(hit/press/push) the panic button

When you hit the panic button, you raise the alarm too quickly or react too hastily in

a difficult or stressful situation.

Calm down! There's no need to press the panic button yet.

caught with your pants down

If you are caught with your pants down, you are caught doing something bad or

forbidden.

Our neighbours were caught interfering with their electricity metre - caught with

their pants down!

paper over the cracks

To say that someone is papering over the cracks means that they are concealing a

problem rather than dealing with it effectively.

The measures taken to reduce unemployment are just paper over the cracks.

paper tiger

This term refers to a person, organisation or country that is less powerful or

threatening than they appear to be.

He threatens to take strong action but he's just another paper tiger.

paper trail

If a person or organisation leaves a paper trail, they leave evidence in writing or

in document form that will serve as proof of their actions.

The police found a paper trail which lead to the author of the hoax.

on paper

To say that an idea, plan or scheme seems good on paper means that it looks good

in theory or in writing but may not work when put into practice.

His plan looks good on paper, but I'm not convinced it will work.

par for the course

If something is par for the course, it is typical of what to expect in that

particular situation.

I spent the week-end working on the project but nobody showed any appreciation.

That's par for the course in this firm.

part and parcel

If something is part and parcel of an experience, it is a key component or a

necessary part that cannot be avoided

I'm an event manager. Travelling is part and parcel of my job.

partner in crime

A person who helps you to plan something dishonest or unlawful is called your

partner in crime. (The expression can be used jokingly as in this example.)

Sam was my partner in crime. He hid my son's new bicycle until his birthday.

parting shot

A parting shot is a final remark, often incisive or disparaging, made just as one is

leaving.

He has a way of making parting shots that can be very discouraging.

the party is over

To say that the party is over means that a period of happiness, freedom, enjoyment,

etc. has come to an end, and life is going to return to normal.

I had a wonderful time here but the party's over and I must get back to work.

pass the buck

If you say that someone is passing the buck, you are accusing them of not taking

responsibility for a problem and letting others deal with it instead.

Whenever a customer comes to complain, she always finds a way of looking busy.

Talk about passing the buck!

pass muster

If someone or something passes muster, they are considered to be satisfactory or

acceptable.

The interview went well. I hope I'll pass muster.

passing fancy

If you have a passing fancy for something, you become fond of it for a short time.

My father started collecting stamps a few years ago, but it was just a passing fancy.

a pat answer

A simplified response that is memorized or prepared in advance is called a pat

answer.

Many journalists at the press conference found his pat answers totally frustrating.

not a patch on someone

If someone or something is not a patch on an other, they are not nearly as good.

His second conference wasn't a patch on the first one.

pay dividends

Something which pays dividends brings an advantage or benefit at a later date.

Making an effort to improve your English will pay dividends later on.

to be paid peanuts

If you are paid peanuts, you have a very low salary.

Anne has a very interesting job but she's paid peanuts. Her salary is very low.

throw pearls to the pigs (cast pearls before swine)

This expression means that it is a waste to offer something valuable or useful to

someone who does not understand or appreciate it.

She had a beautifully trained voice but the audience didn't listen - talk about

throwing pearls to pigs!

(put the) pedal to the metal

When you put the pedal to the metal, you accelerate or make something go faster.

If we put the pedal to the metal we could get this finished in time.

take (someone) down a peg

To take someone down a peg means to make that person realize that they are

not as important as they think they are.

He was too proud. Somebody had to take him down a peg.

the pen is mightier than the sword

This expression means that words and communication have greater effect than

war and fighting.

The treaty put an end to the hostilities - the pen is mightier than the sword!

a penny for your thoughts

This phrase is used to ask someone what they are thinking about.

You look pensive. A penny for your thoughts.

in for a penny, in for a pound

This expression means that once you start doing something, you might just as well

do it wholeheartedly and not stop at half-measures.

Joe finally accepted to be on the committee, then he accepted to be the chairman -

"in for a penny, in for a pound" he said!

the penny drops

When a person has difficulty understanding or realizing something, and then the

penny drops, they finally understand.

The teasing continued for some time until the penny dropped and he realized it

was a joke!

see (or put) things in their right perspective

When people see or put things in their right perspective, they see the relative

importance of each element of a situation, without exaggerating any aspect.

If Tom could see things in their right perspective, the situation would be less

stressful for him.

pervert the course of justice

If a person perverts the course of justice, they tell a lie or prevent the police from

finding out the truth about something.

The suspect was accused of trying to pervert the course of justice

pester power

This expression refers to the power children exert over their parents by continually

nagging or pestering them until they accept to buy advertised toys or fashionable

products.

Pester power leads busy parents to buy more and more for their children.

pick someone's brains

If you pick someone's brains, you ask questions about a particular subject in order

to obtain advice or information.

Could we have lunch together? I'd like to pick your brains about something.

pick a fight

Someone who picks a fight deliberately looks for an opportunity to start a quarrel

or begin an argument.

Our new neighbour is always ready to pick a fight with someone.

pick holes

If someone picks holes in something such as a plan, an idea or an argument, they

criticize it or try to find fault with it.

Why don't you make a suggestion instead of picking holes in all my ideas!

pick up the pieces

After something disastrous has happened, if you pick up the pieces, you do what

you can to get the situation back to normal again.

After fire destroyed their house, it took them a long time to pick up the pieces.

pick up steam

If something such as a project or process picks up steam, it starts to develop or

become more active.

The campaign started slowly but picked up steam after Christmas.

pick up the tab

If you pick up the tab, you pay the bill or pay the cost of something.

There was a celebration lunch for the group and Bill picked up the tab.

in a pickle

If you are in a pickle, you are in a difficult situation and need help.

My car won't start and the trains are on strike today - I'm in a real pickle!

a picture is worth a thousand words

This expression means that a picture can give just as much information as a large

amount of descriptive text.

Look at the picture of the crash! A picture is worth a thousand words isn't it?

pie in the sky

If an idea, wish or promise is "pie in the sky", it is completely unrealistic or

unlikely to be achieved.

The promise of low-cost housing for everyone turned out to be pie in the sky.

easy as pie

To say that something is easy as pie means that it is very easy to do.

How did the English test go? - No problem - it was easy as pie!

eat humble pie

If you eat humble pie, you have to admit that you were wrong and apologize.

After openly criticizing Bill's work, Fred had to eat humble pie when Bill was elected

"salesman of the year"!

pie-eyed

Someone who is pie-eyed is completely drunk.

He had never taken an alcoholic drink so after one beer he was pie-eyed.

piece of the action

When someone wants a piece of the action, they want to participate in what other

people are doing and benefit from it.

The songwriter thought the show would be a success so he wanted a piece of

the action.

go to pieces

If you go to pieces, for example after a terrible shock, you are so upset or distressed

that you cannot lead a normal life.

Jack nearly went to pieces when his son died in a plane crash.

pigs get fat, hogs get slaughtered

You should be satisfied when you have enough; if you are too greedy, like a hog,

you risk losing everything.

pigs might fly

The espression "pigs might fly" expresses disbelief, or the idea that miracles

might happen but are extremely unlikely.

My grandmother buying a computer? ...Yeah! ...and pigs might fly!

(like putting) lipstick on a pig

This expression means that trying to 'dress up' something unappealing or ugly,

in a vain attempt to make it look better, is like putting lipstick on a pig.

Flowers on that ugly old bridge would be (like putting) lipstick on a pig

make a pig of yourself

If you make a pig of yourself, you eat and drink too much.

Watch what you eat - don't make a pig of yourself!

on the pig's back

A person who is on the pig's back is in a state of luck and everything is going well

for them.

Before the recession, Ireland was on the pig's back, but the situation has changed

greatly.

a bitter pill to swallow

This refers to something unpleasant that has to be accepted

After all his hard work, Bill expected a promotion, but the job was given to his

colleague John. It was a bitter pill to swallow.

from pillar to post

If a person, usually someone in difficulty, goes from pillar to post, they move

constantly from place to place.

When the factory closed down, Billy moved from pillar to post in search of a

new job.

at a pinch

To say that something could be done at a pinch means that it would be possible

to do it if absolutely necessary.

The hall can seat 50 people comfortably, and a few more at a pinch.

on pins and needles

If you are on pins and needles about something, you are very anxious or nervous

about what will happen.

Scott was on pins and needles while he waited for the results of the exams.

pink elephants

This term refers to hallucinations or strange imaginary things seen by people as a

result of heavy drinking or the use of narcotics.

No more drinks for me please, otherwise I'll be seeing pink elephants!

in the pink of health

If you are in the pink of health, you are in excellent physical condition or extremely

healthy.

Caroline looked in the pink of health after her holiday.

in the pipeline

If something is in the pipeline, it is in progress or being organized at the moment.

A new talk-show is in the pipeline at the moment.

the pits

If something is referred to as the pits, it is considered to be absolutely the worst.

That magazine really is the pits!

place in the sun

If you find a place in the sun, you reach a position which provides you with wealth

and happiness or whatever you have been hoping to obtain in life.

She finally found a place in the sun with the triumph of her most recent book.

plain sailing

An activity or task that is plain sailing is without difficulty or free from trouble.

Once the plans were accepted, it was plain sailing all the way.

plan B

Plan B is an alternative solution to be adopted if one's original plan does not

succeed.

The idea is to get a caterer to provide the food if it's not too expensive. If it's

too costly, Plan B is to organize a buffet with the help of my friends.

plastic smile

A person with a plastic smile is wearing a forced smile which makes them appear

happier than they really are.

A receptionist greeted customers with a plastic smile.

have a lot on one's plate

If someone has a lot on their plate, they are extremely busy or have several

problems to handle at the same time.

It's not a good time to discuss the problem with David. He's got a lot on his plate at

the moment.

play with fire

People who take unnecessary risks or behave in a dangerous way are playing with

fire.

Driving alone on isolated roads is playing with fire.

play footsie

If you play footsie with someone, you touch their feet lightly, especially under

the table, to show your interest.

Pete says they were playing footsie at the office Christmas lunch.

play to the gallery

A person who plays to the gallery tries to gain popularity by behaving in a way

that will appeal to the majority.

It's no secret that he got elected by playing to the gallery.

play the game

If you play the game, you accept to do things according to generally-accepted

customs or code of behaviour.

Not all website owners play the game. Some download content from others

without permission.

play games (with someone)

If you are not completely honest, or behave in a way that is insincere, evasive or

intentionally misleading, you are playing games with someone.

Look, stop playing games with us. Just tell us if you're interested in the project

or not.

play havoc

If someone or something plays havoc, they cause disorder and confusion.

The floods played havoc with the construction work.

play the market

If you play the market, you buy stocks and shares in the hope of making a profit

when you sell them.

It's always tempting to play the market, but it's more risky at the present time.

play into someone's hands

If you play into someone's hands, you do exactly what your opponent or enemy

wants you to do, so that they gain an advantage over you.

When the leaders of the protest movement became violent, they played right into

the hands of the police.

play by the rules

If you play by the rules, you behave in a fair and honest way with people.

You can trust him, don't worry. He always plays by the rules.

play possum

When someone plays possum, they pretend to be dead or asleep in order to avoid

something unpleasant.

Sarah's not asleep. She's just playing possum because she doesn't want to come swimming.

play for time

If you play for time, you try to delay or prevent something from happening in order

to gain an advantage.

He decided to play for time in the hope that the price would decrease.

play truant

If a pupil plays truant, they stay away from school without permission or excuse.

Billy has no reason to be absent from school - he's playing truant again!

play a waiting game

If you play a waiting game, you deliberately delay taking action in order to be able

to act more effectively later.

The cat kept its eyes on the bird, carefully playing a waiting game.

not playing with a full deck (of cards)

Someone who is not playing with a full deck lacks intelligence or does not have full

mental abilities.

Old Mrs.Whitehead was not playing with a full deck when she bought that fancy

lawnmower!

as pleased/proud as punch

Someone who is as pleased (or as proud) as punch is delighted or feels very satisfied

about something.

Danny was as proud as punch when he won the tennis match.

(plenty of) other fish in the sea

To say this means that that there are many other people just as good as the one

somebody failed to get.

The candidate we chose refused the job? Never mind - there are other fish in the sea!

pluck something out of the air

To pluck something out of the air means to say a name, date, number, etc.

spontaneously, without thinking about it.

"What are we going to call the cat?" I just plucked a name out of the air and said

"How about Daisy?"

plug something

If you promote something by talking about it favourably, for example during an

radio or TV interview, you plug something.

He will appear on the show if he can plug his new book.

a plum job

A desirable position which is well-paid and considered relatively easy is called

a plum job.

Ideally he'd like to find himself a plum job in New York.

a plum in your mouth

Someone who speaks with an upper-class accent is said to have a plum in their

mouth.

He speaks just like an aristocrat - with a plum in his mouth!

pocket of resistance

This term refers to a small group of people who resist change or disagree with a

proposal.

The new boss wants to introduce job-sharing, but there's a pocket of resistance in

the sales department.

have somebody in your pocket

If you have influence or power over someone, you have them in your pocket.

He was declared 'not guilty' but everyone knew that he had the jury in his pocket.

point of no return

When you reach the point of no return, you must continue what you have started,

because you have gone so far that it is impossible to go back.

I've agreed to speak and accepted the fee. I've now reached the point of no return

and must make the speech I promised.

beside the point

If something is beside the point, it does not relate to the topic or is irrelevant.

We need to know if he is qualified for the job. The fact that he plays golf is beside

the point!

come/get to the point

If you come or get to the point, you reach or focus on the essential part or the heart

of the matter.

We don't need a long explanation Barry. Just get to the point.

a sore point

A subject to be avoided because it causes anger or embarrassment is called

a sore point.

Don't talk to Mary about weight - that's a sore point!

poker face

Someone who has a poker face has an expressionless face that shows no emotion

or reaction at all.

He sat with a poker face all through the show, revealing nothing of his thoughts.

polish something off

If you polish something off, you finish it quickly or easily.

Susan thought there was too much food but the boys polished it all off in no time.

politically correct

When people are politically correct, they carefully choose the language they use

in order to avoid offending particular groups of people.

'Most people today make a conscious effort to be politically correct.'

pop one's clogs

This is a euphemistic way of saying that a person is dead.

Nobody lives in that house since old Sam popped his clogs.

pop the question

When you ask someone to marry you, you pop the question.

It was during a trip to Venice that James popped the question.

Is the Pope Catholic?

A sarcastic way of answering a question in the affirmative when the answer is

obviously 'yes'. (for example : Do birds fly?)

Of course it's true! Is the Pope catholic?

any port in a storm

When you are in difficulty, any port in a storm refers to a solution you accept,

which in normal circumstances you would find unacceptable.

The hotel was substandard, but it was a case of any port in a storm; all the others

were full.

take pot luck

If you take pot luck, you accept whatever is available without knowing what it will be like.

We were so hungry we decided to take pot luck and stopped at the first restaurant we saw.

the pot calling the kettle black

This expression is used to refer to a situation where a person with a fault criticizes

someone else for having the same fault.

After being disqualified for not obeying the rules, the player accused another

competitor of cheating; it was a case of the pot calling the kettle black!

a hot potato

To refer to a subject as a hot potato means that it is a very sensitive and

controversial matter which is difficult to deal with.

The new Prime Minister hasn't been confronted with any hot potatoes yet.

pound the pavement

Someone who pounds the pavement, walks the streets or goes from company to

company, usually in search of employment.

You also pound the pavement in an effort to raise funds or gain support for a cause.

Charlie is out there pounding the pavement since he lost his job.

pour/throw cold water on something

If you pour cold water on someone's plans, opinions or ideas, you discourage them

by showing little enthusiasm or expressing your misgivings.

The committee threw cold water on the idea of accepting new members.

pour your heart out

If you pour your heart out to someone, you express your feelings and troubles freely.

When she needs to pour her heart out to someone, she goes to visit her grandmother.

power behind the throne

Someone with no apparent authority who has great influence over the person officially

in charge is said to be the power behind the throne.

It's essential to be on good terms with his wife. Apparently she's the power behind

the throne.

preaching to the converted

A person who preaches to the converted is telling people to support an idea or view

that they already agree with.

Talking to athletes about the virtues of healthy food is preaching to the converted!

a pregnant pause

A pregnant pause is a moment of silence full of unexpressed meaning or significance.

There was a pregnant pause before the president answered the journalist's question.

press (something) home

If you press something home, you insist on a point in a discussion or argument.

Her lawyer kept pressing home the fact that she was a single mother.

pressed for time

If you're pressed for time, you have hardly enough time to do something, so you must

hurry.

Sorry. I can't talk to you now - I'm a bit pressed for time.

a pretty penny

If something costs you a pretty penny, it costs you a lot of money.

That new car must have cost him a pretty penny!

prey on someone's mind

If something preys on your mind, it troubles you so much that you keep thinking

about it.

The vision of the house on fire kept preying on her mind.

price oneself out of the market

If you price yourself out of the market, you charge such a high price for your goods

or services that nobody buys them.

He was so eager to make money that he priced himself out of the market.

price you have to pay

This expression refers to what you have to endure in return for something

you gain or achieve.

Lack of privacy is the price you have to pay for being a celebrity.

prime of one's life

A time in one's life when a person is the most successful or in their best physical

condition is called the prime of one's life.

At the age of 75, the singer is not exactly in the prime of his life!

prick up one's ears

If you prick up your ears, you suddenly pay attention to what is being said.

The children pricked up their ears when they heard the word "cookies".

prod someone into doing something

If you prod someone into doing something, you make a slow or hesitant person do

something that they are reluctant to do.

She was ideal for the job, but I had to prod her into applying for the position.

keep a low profile

A person who keeps a low profile tries not to attract public attention.

The inventor is a discreet man who keeps a low profile.

prolong the agony

If someone prolongs the agony, they make an unpleasant or tense situation last

longer than necessary.

Please don't prolong the agony. Just tell me whether I've been accepted or not.

as proud as a peacock

A person who is as proud as a peacock is extremely proud.

When his son won first prize, Bill was as proud as a peacock.

pull a fast one

To pull a fast one means to gain an advantage over someone by deceiving them.

The street vendor pulled a fast one on Tom. He sold him a big bunch of roses, but

wrapped a smaller bunch while Tom was taking out his wallet.

pull somebody's leg

If you pull somebody's leg, you tease them by telling them something that is not true.

Of course I'm not going to buy a sports car. I was just pulling your leg!

pull the other one (it's got bells on)

After hearing an unlikely story, this expression is used jokingly to tell the speaker that

you are not going to believe what they say next.

You have a date with George Clooney? Yeah - now pull the other one!

pull no punches

When someone pulls no punches, they speak openly and honestly, holding nothing

back.

The doctor pulled no punches. He explained in detail the risks of the operation.

pull out all the stops

If you pull out all the stops, you do everything you can to make something successful.

We'll have to pull out all the stops to get the store ready for the opening day.

pull strings

If somebody pulls strings, they use influential friends in order to obtain an advantage.

David found a job easily - his Dad just pulled a few strings!

pull the plug (on something)

If you pull the plug on something, you put an end to it or provide no more support

for it.

There were so few enrolments that the school decided to pull the plug on the yoga

class.

pull your weight

If you say that someone pulls their weight, they do their fair share of the work.

It's great working with Sandra. She always pulls her weight.

punch above one's weight

If you punch above your weight, you try to perform at a level that is considered to

be beyond your ability.

She submitted her idea for the 'invention of the year' award, knowing that she was

punching above her weight.

punch line

The punch line is the funny sentence that ends a joke or an amusing story.

"When my dad tells jokes, he never gets the punch line right!"

push the envelope

When you push the envelope, you do something in an extreme way or exceed the

limits of what is considered acceptable.

Some TV programmes really push the envelope when they expose people's private lives.

push one's luck

If you push your luck, you try to get more than what you have already obtained and

risk spoiling the situation.

You've got your father's permission to go to the concert. Don't push your luck by trying

to borrow his car!

if push comes to shove

You use the expression if, or when, push comes to shove, to refer to what you will

do if the situation becomes critical and you have to make a decision or take action.

There should be enough room for everyone, but if push comes to shove

we can go to the hotel.

pushing up the daisies

If you say of someone that they are pushing up the daisies, you mean that they are

dead.

Old Johnny Barnes? He's been pushing up the daisies for over 10 years!

put your feet up

When you put your feet up, you sit down and relax.

You must be tired. Come in and put your feet up.

put a damper on sthg

If someone or something puts a damper on a situation or event, they make it less

successful or enjoyable.

The party was going great until the neighbour's complaints put a damper on it.

put in a good word (for someone)

If you put in a good word for someone, you say positive things in support of that person

in order to help them.

If you want to apply for the job, I'll put in a good word for you.

put on a brave face

When confronted with difficulties, if you put on a brave face, you try to look

cheerful and pretend that the situation is not as bad as it is.

Even at the worst of times she put on a brave face.

put on ice

To say that a plan or project is put on ice means that all further action has been

postponed for an indefinite period of time.

Plans for a nuclear power station have been put on ice.

put your head on the block

If you put yourself in a situation where you risk losing reputation or your job if things

go wrong, you put your head on the block.

Jenny asked me to recommend her son for the job but I'm not prepared to put

my head on the block for someone I hardly know.

put your heart (and soul) into something

If you put your heart (and soul) into something, you are very enthusiastic and invest a lot

of energy and hard work in something.

Paul was determined to make a success of the project. He put his heart and soul into it.

put one's house in order

If you put your house in order, your organize your own affairs or improve your

methods before criticizing others.

The government should put its own affairs in order before telling other countries

what to do.

put out feelers

If a person or organization puts out feelers, they cautiously check the views of

others.

The politician put out feelers to test public reaction to his future proposals.

put out to pasture

To say that someone has been put out to pasture means that they have been

forced to retire or give up their responsibilities.

He's in good health and feels it's too early to be put out to pasture.

put your pants on one leg at a time

To say that someone puts their pants on one leg at a time means that the person

is a human being no different from anyone else.

Don't be scared to speak to him. He puts his pants on one leg at a time just like

the rest of us!

put someone in their place

If someone causes offence or irritation by speaking or behaving in an inappropriate

manner, you put them in their place by letting them know that they are not as

important as they seem to believe.

The new trainee is not in a position to criticize our methods. He needs to be put

in his place!

put someone in the picture

If you give somebody all the information necessary to enable them to fully understand

a situation, you put them in the picture.

Let me put you in the picture about what happened during your absence.

put someone/something through their paces

If you put someone or something through their paces, you test their ability to do

something by making them perform certain actions.

During the presentation, the machine was put through its paces.

put something on the long finger

If you put something on the long finger, you postpone it indefinitely.

She says she intends to go back to college, but she keeps putting it on the

long finger.

put that in your pipe and smoke it!

You have to accept what I say, whether you like it or not.

I am not going to buy you a scooter, so put that in your pipe and smoke it!

put the squeeze on someone

If you put the squeeze on somebody, you put pressure on them to force them to

act in a particular way.

Bob was reluctant to replace his colleague until the boss put the squeeze on him.

put your shoulder to the wheel

If you put your shoulder to the wheel, you start putting a lot of effort into a

difficult task.

We'll have to put our shoulders to the wheel to get the store ready for the opening

day.

to put it mildly

This expression means that you express your opinion or reaction in a controlled way,

without exaggeration.

She's three years old and already able to read. That's promising, to put it mildly.

put in a good word (for someone)

If you put in a good word for someone, you say positive things in support of that person

in order to help them.

If you want to apply for the job, I'll put in a good word for you.

put words in somebody's mouth

If you claim, wrongly, that someone has said something, or suggest what they should

say, you are putting words in their mouth.

You're putting words in my mouth. I did not say I saw Mr. Brown; I said I saw his car!

Pyrrhic victory

A victory that is obtained at a tremendous cost, or causes such a considerable loss

that it is not worth winning, is called a Pyrrhic victory.

It was a Pyrrhic victory. The shop owner won the lawsuit but went bankrupt

because of the legal expenses involved.

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