Takes two to tango (idiom)
Encyclopedia
It takes two to tango is a common idiom
atic expression which suggests something in which more than one person or other entity are paired in an inextricably-related and active manner, occasionally with negative connotations.
The tango
is a dance which requires two partners moving in relation to each other, sometimes in tandem, sometimes in opposition. The meaning of this expression has been extended to include any situation in which the two partners are by definition understood to be essential -- as in, a marriage
with only one partner ceases to be a marriage.
and Dick Manning
. The lyrics and melody were popularized by singer Pearl Bailey
's 1952 recording.
The phrase was reported widely in the international media when Ronald Reagan quipped about Russian-American relations during a 1982 presidential news conference. Reagan said, :"For ten years détente was based on words by them [the Russians] and not any words to back them up. And we need some action that they — it takes two to tango — that they want to tango also."
Since that time, the tango metaphor has appeared regularly in the headline of the international press. The phrase has gained currency as a proverb in loan translation in other languages.
This expression has become a familiar proverbial expression; and it has also found its way into American legal writing, as in:
More generally in instances involving a dubious transaction, like a bribe, conventional wisdom in America and in the United Kingdom presumes that if one is guilty, both are.
Comedian George Carlin
observed: "It takes two to tango. Sounds good, but simple reasoning will reveal that it only takes one to tango. It takes two to tango together, maybe, but one person is certainly capable of tangoing on his own." The phrase is conventionally used in which one person is being blamed, but two are actually at fault.
two to tango, even when one is always the victim and the other is always the victimizer.
. No one could have been surprised when one of the protest organizers condemned police tactics; but he also argued that a peaceful demonstration had been hijacked by a small group of anarchist troublemakers known as the Black Bloc
. In essence, Reiner Braun was saying something like "it takes two to tango" when he explained,
Idiom
Idiom is an expression, word, or phrase that has a figurative meaning that is comprehended in regard to a common use of that expression that is separate from the literal meaning or definition of the words of which it is made...
atic expression which suggests something in which more than one person or other entity are paired in an inextricably-related and active manner, occasionally with negative connotations.
The tango
Tango (dance)
Tango dance originated in the area of the Rio de la Plata , and spread to the rest of the world soon after....
is a dance which requires two partners moving in relation to each other, sometimes in tandem, sometimes in opposition. The meaning of this expression has been extended to include any situation in which the two partners are by definition understood to be essential -- as in, a marriage
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
with only one partner ceases to be a marriage.
History
The phrase originated in a song, Takes Two to Tango, which was written and composed in 1952 by Al HoffmanAl Hoffman
Al Hoffman , a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame since 1984, was a hit songwriter active in the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s, usually co-writing with others and responsible for number one hits through each decade, many of which are still sung and recorded today...
and Dick Manning
Dick Manning
Dick Manning was a Russian-born American songwriter, best known for his many collaborations with Al Hoffman....
. The lyrics and melody were popularized by singer Pearl Bailey
Pearl Bailey
Pearl Mae Bailey was an American actress and singer. After appearing in vaudeville, she made her Broadway debut in St. Louis Woman in 1946. She won a Tony Award for the title role in the all-black production of Hello, Dolly! in 1968...
's 1952 recording.
The phrase was reported widely in the international media when Ronald Reagan quipped about Russian-American relations during a 1982 presidential news conference. Reagan said, :"For ten years détente was based on words by them [the Russians] and not any words to back them up. And we need some action that they — it takes two to tango — that they want to tango also."
Since that time, the tango metaphor has appeared regularly in the headline of the international press. The phrase has gained currency as a proverb in loan translation in other languages.
This expression has become a familiar proverbial expression; and it has also found its way into American legal writing, as in:
- "It takes at least two to tango for conspiracy purposes." -- US v. Villasanor, 894 F.2d 1422 (1990).
- "This is a situation where it takes more than two to tango," -- Gant v. Aliquippa Borough, 612 F.Supp. 1139 (1985).
More generally in instances involving a dubious transaction, like a bribe, conventional wisdom in America and in the United Kingdom presumes that if one is guilty, both are.
Variations on a theme
The phrase is incorporated in the lyrics of a song about romance, but the open-ended possibilities of the idomatic expression are available for a wider range of prospective applications. One stanza of the song explains:-
-
-
- You can sail in a ship by yourself,
- Take a nap or a nip by yourself.
- You can get into debt on your own.
- There are lots of things that you can do alone.
- (But it)
- Takes two to tango ... etc.
-
-
Comedian George Carlin
George Carlin
George Denis Patrick Carlin was an American stand-up comedian, social critic, actor and author, who won five Grammy Awards for his comedy albums....
observed: "It takes two to tango. Sounds good, but simple reasoning will reveal that it only takes one to tango. It takes two to tango together, maybe, but one person is certainly capable of tangoing on his own." The phrase is conventionally used in which one person is being blamed, but two are actually at fault.
It takes two to cooperate
"It takes two to tango" may be used to mean that some things need the active cooperation of two parties in some enterprise -- for example, as in the following comment:- "We'll never pass this bill unless both parties work out a compromise -- it takes two to tango.
It takes two to make a bargain
"It takes two to tango" may be used to mean "an agreement or a consensual bargain requires the assent of both parties for the deal to be deemed successful -- for example, as in the following exchange:- "We decided you should make dinner tonight." and
- "No, we didn't decide anything -- you made that decision by yourself and I had no part in it because you walked out the door before I could say anything one way or the other and it takes two to tango."
It takes two to make a quarrel
"It takes two to tango" may be used to mean "a quarrel requires two disputing parties," is an expression which is often used in situations in which both partners in the dispute should or could be said to share responsibility -- for example, as in the following observation:- "Love, affection and honesty are the main bases for a stable and loving parent-child relationship and it takes two to tango."
Not always
There is an issue in domestic violence which it is difficult to comprehend -- that somehow it takestwo to tango, even when one is always the victim and the other is always the victimizer.
Alternate expressions
The meaning and intent of the English idiomatic expression is sometimes presented in different terms.Like brother and sister; they need each other
Protesters and police clashed at the 2009 NATO summit2009 Strasbourg-Kehl summit
The 2009 Strasbourg–Kehl Summit was a NATO summit of heads of state and heads of government held in Strasbourg, France, and in Kehl and Baden-Baden, Germany, on 3–4 April 2009. The summit marked the 60th anniversary of the establishment of North Atlantic Treaty Organization...
. No one could have been surprised when one of the protest organizers condemned police tactics; but he also argued that a peaceful demonstration had been hijacked by a small group of anarchist troublemakers known as the Black Bloc
Black bloc
A black bloc is a tactic for protests and marches, whereby individuals wear black clothing, scarves, ski masks, motorcycle helmets with padding, or other face-concealing items...
. In essence, Reiner Braun was saying something like "it takes two to tango" when he explained,
- "I do not accept the behavior of the Black Bloc, but it was pure provocation from the police. They and the Black Bloc are like brother and sister; they need each other."