Idiom
It takes two to tango
It takes two to tango means that when a problem or situation involves two people, both share the responsibility.
How people use it
People often say it when one person is blamed for a quarrel or mess that two people created: don't just blame Leo for the argument; it takes two to tango. It can also mean that some things need two willing people, such as a deal or a friendship. It is informal and usually stands as its own sentence. The verb can change tense: it took two to tango.
Examples
- The coach benched both players after the shouting match, saying it takes two to tango.
- It takes two to tango, so we both need to apologize.
- Before you blame your brother, remember it takes two to tango.
Where it comes from
It comes from a 1952 American popular song called "Takes Two to Tango". The tango is a dance for two partners, so neither can do it alone. The song was a hit, and the phrase quickly became a common way to say that both sides share the credit or the blame.
Check yourself
1. What does "it takes two to tango" mean?
Answer: Both people share responsibility. The saying points out that both sides helped cause the situation.
2. Which sentence uses the idiom correctly?
Answer: The twins both got in trouble for the argument; it takes two to tango.. The idiom fits a situation involving two people, not something done alone.
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