Take one for the team
verb phrase
Do something unpleasant or difficult that benefits the group you belong to.
No one wanted to clean up after the party, so I decided to take one for the team.
Often appears as...
- he took one for the team
- going to take one for the team
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic
verb phrase
Accept a punishment or negative outcome for the sake of your team.
In the football game, John took a red card to prevent the opposing team from scoring, truly taking one for the team.
Often appears as...
- john took one for the team
- taking one for the team
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic
verb phrase
Do something unpleasant or difficult that benefits the group you belong to.
No one wanted to clean up after the party, so I decided to take one for the team.
Often appears as...
- he took one for the team
- going to take one for the team
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic
verb phrase
Accept a punishment or negative outcome for the sake of your team.
In the football game, John took a red card to prevent the opposing team from scoring, truly taking one for the team.
Often appears as...
- john took one for the team
- taking one for the team
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Group Benefit
It involves an action that helps everyone in the group, and not just the individual doing it.
Sarah decided to take one for the team and work late so the project could be finished on time.
Pro Tip 2/3Personal Sacrifice
Using this phrase usually means you're giving up your comfort or needs for others.
Mike took one for the team by giving up his spot on the trip to a colleague.
Pro Tip 3/3Voluntary Act
The act is typically a choice, not a requirement or expectation.
Lucy, knowing her friends hated speaking in public, took one for the team and presented their project.
Pro Tip 1/3Group Benefit
It involves an action that helps everyone in the group, and not just the individual doing it.
Sarah decided to take one for the team and work late so the project could be finished on time.
Pro Tip 2/3Personal Sacrifice
Using this phrase usually means you're giving up your comfort or needs for others.
Mike took one for the team by giving up his spot on the trip to a colleague.
Pro Tip 3/3Voluntary Act
The act is typically a choice, not a requirement or expectation.
Lucy, knowing her friends hated speaking in public, took one for the team and presented their project.
Pro Tip 1/3Group Benefit
It involves an action that helps everyone in the group, and not just the individual doing it.
Sarah decided to take one for the team and work late so the project could be finished on time.
Pro Tip 2/3Personal Sacrifice
Using this phrase usually means you're giving up your comfort or needs for others.
Mike took one for the team by giving up his spot on the trip to a colleague.
Pro Tip 3/3Voluntary Act
The act is typically a choice, not a requirement or expectation.
Lucy, knowing her friends hated speaking in public, took one for the team and presented their project.
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