it takes two


it takes two (to do something)

Two parties are responsible for a certain action or situation in which they are involved. Your son is blaming mine for what happened, but it takes two to get into a fight. We're all ready for the merger, but it takes two to make a deal this big work, and the other company has been dragging its heels on the paperwork.See also: take, two

it takes ˈtwo (to do something)

(also it takes two to ˈtango) (saying) used to say that something cannot be the fault or responsibility of one person alone: You’ve only heard his side of the story. It takes two to have an argument, you know. ♢ The company is ready to sign the agreement now, but it takes two to tango and the negotiations may continue for several days yet.See also: take, two