proverb🎓 English idiom

it takes two to tango

both people share the blame

What it means

This proverb means that certain situations, especially conflicts or problems, require the active participation of two people, so both share responsibility. It's used to point out that one person alone can't be entirely to blame.

Examples

  • Don't blame only her for the argument; it takes two to tango.
  • He says it was all my fault, but it takes two to tango.
  • Their failed partnership wasn't one-sided; it takes two to tango.
  • You can't fix a marriage alone, since it takes two to tango.

Where it comes from

The saying comes from the title of a 1952 American song, 'Takes Two to Tango,' referencing the partnered dance, and entered common speech soon afterward.

Related idioms

#play devil's advocate#in the same boat#see eye to eye#the grass is always greener

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