falling on a grenade
Dying for others
Falling on a grenade means sacrificing oneself to protect others from harm.
The literal image is a soldier throwing their body over an explosive to absorb the blast.
Figuratively, it describes taking one for the team—accepting an unpleasant task or consequence so others don't have to: I'll fall on the grenade and tell the boss we missed the deadline.
- heroismExceptional courage under duress
- selflessnessPrioritizing others over oneself
- valorCourage in danger
- altruismPrioritizing others' wellbeing
- fall guyOne blamed for others
camaraderie · no man left behind · protection · taking one for the team · emotional labor · courage · duty · solidarity · bravery · martyrdom · loyalty · band of brothers · shielding · human shield · risk-taking · foxhole · covering fire · bullet sponge
falling on a grenadeself-preservation
Instinct to survive danger
looking out for number one · every man for himself · abandoning ship · cutting and running · fleeing
falling on a grenadedesertion
Unlawful abandonment of duty
turning tail · cowardice · chickening out · running away · dereliction of duty
falling on a grenadeselling out
Abandoning principles for gain
fragging · stabbing in the back · scapegoating · passing the buck · ratting out
fallen, falling, fallout, downfall, waterfall, grenade, grenades, grenadier, grenadiers