win the battle, but lose the war

== English == === Etymology === (This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.) === Pronunciation === === Verb === win the battle, but lose the war (third-person singular simple present wins the battle, but loses the war, present participle winning the battle, but losing the war, simple past and past participle won the battle, but lost the war) (idiomatic) To achieve a portion of a goal, but fail to achieve the entire goal. ==== Translations ====