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American English Proverbs - 7

4 years ago
It takes two to tango
Equivalent in Spanish: Dos no bailan / discuten si uno no quiere.



(When an activity that needs two people to take place, both must be willing to take part on it for it to happen)

Example dialogue 1:
- Look just how crooked the linoleum is along the edges of the wall!
- I never said I was an expert in laying linoleum. Besides, it takes two to tango, you know?
- What do you mean by that?
- Well, you were in charge of the measurements, so if the job turned out like this, it is as much your fault as it is mine.
- Alright, I guess we both learned a lesson. Next time we’ll hire a professional.

Example dialogue 2:
- He went on and on about it and wouldn’t let go.
- So, how did you handle the situation?
- Well, you know what they say: It takes two to tango. So, I said I was sorry and then I remained quiet until he calmed down. I was not going to argue about it forever.

Activities:
- Think of your own examples to use this proverb and write a short essay using it, or pretend to have a conversation where it would fit.
- Is there an equivalent of this proverb in your language?