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Take One for the Team

What Does "Take One for the Team" Mean?

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"Take one for the team" is an English idiom. It means "to willingly make a sacrifice or endure something unpleasant for the benefit or success of a group or team."

Examples in Sentences

Here are three examples of the idiom "take one for the team" used in a sentence:
  • He decided to take one for the team by working late to ensure the project's completion.
  • Taking one for the team can strengthen bonds and foster a sense of unity among team members.
  • In sports and teamwork, individuals often take one for the team to achieve a common goal.
meaning for take one for the team

What Is an Idiom?

An idiom is a commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. In other words, if you were to translate "Take One for the Team" word for word, there is no guarantee the translation would help you to understand the meaning.

An idiom often includes a cultural or historical context that makes it difficult for non-native English speakers to understand. A phrase is classified as an idiom when a direct translation of the words does not reveal the meaning. Most idioms rely on shared knowledge or experiences known only to a specific community.

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