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Explaining “It takes two to tango”
Lloyd Cooper 28/09/2024, 23:41English.me team member
What does it mean?
The phrase "It takes two to tango" means that a situation or conflict involves two parties or that both parties are necessary for a particular action or situation to occur.
Tone
Neutral
Origin
The phrase originated from the title of a popular 1952 song "Takes Two to Tango" by Al Hoffman and Dick Manning, and it suggests that cooperation or mutual responsibility is needed.
Examples of usage
- You can't blame her for the argument. It takes two to tango, after all.
- For the deal to go through, both companies need to agree. It takes two to tango.
- The negotiations failed because both sides were uncooperative. It takes two to tango.
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