# take a bullet

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/take-a-bullet
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To purposely receive a gunshot that was intended for another.

## Examples

- He would take a bullet for his best friend.
- The bodyguard was prepared to take a bullet to protect the leader during the parade.
- In a final act of profound loyalty, the soldier chose to take a bullet for his comrade, sacrificing his own life to ensure the other man survived.

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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.