# fall on a grenade

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/fall-on-a-grenade
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To sacrifice oneself for the sake of others.

## Examples

- He decided to fall on a grenade to save his friend's reputation.
- The manager chose to fall on a grenade during the meeting, taking full responsibility for the team's mistake to protect his staff.
- Recognizing that the project was doomed, the senior director chose to fall on a grenade, resigning immediately to shield his subordinates from the board's harsh scrutiny.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.