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?

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.