It was a losing battle.

这已注定是一场败仗

耶鲁公开课 - 欧洲文明课程节选

One side wins the argument and the battle, and sometimes the ill will is so great that the losing side feels either that it has to flee for its safety, or it chooses to flee rather than to live under their opponents.

若是其中一方获胜,有时候失势的一方面临威胁,会离开这个地方以求自保,或者是逃离他们的敌对派系的压迫

耶鲁公开课 - 古希腊历史简介课程节选