to perform some unpleasant task on behalf of others, or accept a consequence that falls disproportionately on the subject while benefiting the larger group; generally done from a sense of camaraderie and team spirit that one hopes will be appreciated and reciprocated when the time comes; rather than pretending that all is well, using this phrase acknowledges that some aspect of the situation is not ideal; the one who finds himself constantly taking one for the team may eventually seek a new team or sport altogether