win on points

Idioms  

1. Succeed but barely, especially by a technicality. For example, Both sides were forceful in that argument about the embargo, but I think the senator won on points. This term comes from boxing, where in the absence of a knockout the winner is decided on the basis of points awarded for each round. Its figurative use dates from the mid-1900s.

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Example Sentences

Tommy Fury claimed bragging rights over fellow social media star KSI with a win on points in their unlicensed boxing fight in front of a capacity crowd of 20,000 at Manchester's AO Arena.

From BBC • Oct. 14, 2023

There is a precedent for Usyk being rattled by an opponent who just keeps advancing and shrugs off punches, as seen in his narrow win on points over Derek Chisora in 2020.

From Washington Times • Aug. 24, 2023

He is coming off a win on points over Kubrat Pulev in July, which followed back-to-back losses to Joseph Parker.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 20, 2022

Instead, it’s like watching a general election campaign run for a safe seat, a boxer trying to win on points from Round 1, a soccer match that could have been an email.

From Slate • Jun. 23, 2021

He had had all the advantage so far and with good generalship could still win on points if he fought his own battle and not Clancy's.

From Paradise Garden The Satirical Narrative of a Great Experiment by Gibbs, George