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Explaining "It takes two to tango"

Reviewed and edited by Lloyd Cooper 28/09/2024, 23:41
English.me team member

What does it mean?

It takes two to tango

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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