ɪt teɪks tuː tuː ˈtæŋɡoʊ
Relationships
informal
beginner
- Literally:
- The tango dance requires two partners
What does "it takes two to tango" mean?
- Both parties are responsible in a situation or conflict
- Cooperation or participation from two people is needed
Examples
- Don't blame just her—it takes two to tango.
- The argument was both their faults; it takes two to tango.
- A successful partnership requires effort because it takes two to tango.
Origin
From the Argentine tango dance, which requires two partners moving together. The phrase emphasizes shared responsibility.
How to use it
Often used when assigning blame equally in conflicts or relationships.
Similar expressions
both are responsible
shared blame
mutual responsibility
Opposites
one-sided
solely responsible
Related idioms
- break the ice
To initiate conversation in an awkward social situation
- see eye to eye
To agree with someone completely
- head over heels
Completely and deeply in love
- pull someone's leg
To tease or joke with someone
- cut someone some slack
To be less strict or demanding with someone
- tie the knot
To get married
Use it in a practice answer
Try "it takes two to tango" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.