take one for the team

To sacrifice one's own welfare or interests in favor of others'. Honey bees actually die when they sting you, but they are so protective of their hive that they will take one for the team without hesitation. My friend was desperate to go on a date with this guy, so I took one for the team and agreed to go on a double date with his less attractive friend.

To make a sacrifice on behalf of the group. The “classic” use of the phrase is when a baseball batter deliberately allows himself to be hit by a pitched ball that forces a home run to win a tied game. Another scenario: your pal wants to go out on a date with a real babe, but the babe won't go unless your pal finds a date for her homely friend. Your pal begs you. You accept. You're taking one for the team.