It takes two to tango

Related to word: two

Idiom

Definition

  1. This idiom is used to emphasize that both parties involved in a problematic situation share the responsibility or blame, or that a successful activity requires the cooperation of two willing participants.

    • The marriage counselor said that the problems in the relationship were not one-sided; it takes two to tango.

    • I understand that you're angry, but it takes two to tango, and I wasn't interested in fighting.

    • He can't be solely blamed for the relationship problems; it takes two to tango, and they both had their part to play.