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Both parties involved in a situation share responsibility or blame.
She blamed him for the failed project, but it takes two to tango.
Both of them contributed to the project's failure.
The fight wasn't just his fault—it takes two to tango.
Both people involved are responsible for the argument.
Often used to imply mutual fault or shared effort in a negative situation.
Use this idiom when you want to gently remind someone that both people in a conflict or situation share responsibility. It works well in informal conversations but avoid using it in serious legal or professional disputes.
Never use this idiom if only one person is truly at fault. It implies mutual responsibility, so using it in cases of clear one-sided blame can sound dismissive or unfair.
The phrase originates from the tango dance, which requires two partners. It first appeared in print in the early 20th century, popularized by the 1952 song 'Takes Two to Tango' by Pearl Bailey. The metaphorical use to imply shared responsibility emerged from this literal requirement of partnership.
Commonly used in arguments or conflicts to emphasize that both parties played a role. Avoid using in formal or legal contexts where precise blame assignment is required.