It takes two to tango
Meaning(s)
1. it takes two people to make sth happen
Popularity
Medium
Professional
Medium
Social
How to Memorize
it takes two to tango
Analysis
The ‘tango’ is a dance for a female and male dancer that comes from Argentina. The idiom ‘it takes two to tango’ implies that the particular task in question requires two people to be involved - and that one person could not have managed it alone. It can be used as a way of suggesting two parties are linked in some way or that they are equally responsible. Usually, this phrase is used where there is a negative connotation.
Social Examples (Advance)
- He tried to blame it all on me, but I reminded him that it takes two to tango!
- Both parents have an important role in their child's life it takes two to tango when it comes to child-rearing.
Professional Examples (Basic)
- Both of you will face disciplinary proceedings for this, not just one. We all know it takes two to tango.
- I hope that we can reach an agreement during these negotiations we can't do this alone it takes 2 to tango.