win on points
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.
Words nearby win on points
wimpy,
wimshurst machine,
win,
win by a nose,
win hands down,
win on points,
win one's spurs,
win out,
win over,
win some, lose some,
win this one for the gipper