the terrorists will have won

the terrorists will have won

A phrase said in response to changes that are perceived to have been made out of fear following a terrorist attack. We cannot change the way we govern this country in light of the latest attack—otherwise, the terrorists will have won.
See also: have, will, won
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • be twiddling (one's) thumbs
  • be twiddling your thumbs
  • 57
  • Heinz
  • Heinz 57
  • Heinz 57 (variety)
  • Heinz 57 variety
  • (as) sure as eggs (is eggs)
  • a penny for them
  • great minds