it takes two to tango
Some things need the active cooperation of two parties; blame is to be laid on both parties in a conflict.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“You cannot blame just me, because it takes two to tango.”
“The manager refused to pick a side in the argument, reminding them that it takes two to tango.”
“While the two nations accused each other of escalating the conflict, international observers noted that it takes two to tango and urged both sides to negotiate.”
first recorded 20th c. disputed origin
From the 1952 song 'Takes Two to Tango' by Al Hoffman and Dick Manning, sung by Pearl Bailey; President Reagan's use of it in 1982 cemented the idiom.
- 01
be taken ill
To become ill.
- 02
beast with two backs
Two people united in sexual intercourse in the missionary position.
- 03
cross to take up
Alternative form of cross to bear.
- 04
eat for two
To be pregnant
- 05
fall between two stools
To fit into neither of two categories and, hence, be neglected or fail.
- 06
feed two birds with one scone
Synonym of kill two birds with one stone.
- 07
for two pins
Readily, with only the slightest encouragement.
- 08
forget to take one's medication this morning
To be annoyed or irritable, or to behave in an ill-mannered way, particularly in the morning.
Last updated August 10, 2026