Summary
Neil and Feifei are about to go to a concert, when they discover they don’t have enough tickets. Who will ‘take one for the team’? Learn a phrase that reminds us it’s good to put others ahead of ourselves. At least sometimes…
Transcript
Feifei
Have we got everything, Neil?
Neil
Think so. I’ve got the tickets, most importantly. Would not want to miss this concert!
Feifei
Let me see. One, two, three… Neil?
Neil
Yes?
Feifei
There are only three tickets. You know Dan is coming too, right?
Neil
Really? Oh man. We’re one short.
Feifei
What to do?
Neil
I don't know.
Feifei
Neil, it’s OK. I’ll take one for the team. I’m a bit tired anyway.
Neil
Are you sure? I could…
Feifei
Don't worry. I know how much you love this band!
Neil
Too kind. But before I head off, let’s explain the phrase Feifei used. To take one for the team is to give something up for the benefit of others – usually for your friends or colleagues, or your sports team, for example.
Feifei
I decided to let the others go to the concert instead of me. I took one for the team.
Neil
And I’m very grateful. Now, listen to these examples.
Examples
There wasn’t enough space in the car for all of us, so Johnny took one for the team and walked.
Valentyna injured her foot in the first half of the game. She wanted to continue playing, but we decided that someone else should play in the second half to give us the best chance of winning. Valentyna took one for the team.
Sometimes you have to take one for the team. Last week I spent the day clearing out the kitchen while the rest of the family went to the beach.
Neil
You're listening to The English We Speak from BBC Learning English. In this programme, we're looking at the expression 'take one for the team'. Right, I'd better get going.
Feifei
Before you go, Neil, I just want to ask something.
Neil
Yes?
Feifei
We need someone to do the late shift next week. I was wondering…
Neil
Feifei, don’t you worry. I’ll take one for the team.
Feifei
I knew you would! Thanks, Neil. Now, go and enjoy the show!
Neil
Bye.
Feifei
Bye.