Sometimes 'It Takes Two to Tango'

 

And now, Words and Their Stories, from VOA Learning¹ English.

The tango is a South American dance that is passionate² and emotionally³ intense⁴ between two people.

Our expression for today's program is: It takes two to tango!

So, let's do the tango ... in an expression.

Like the tango, some actions or activities take two people. You can't do them alone. Like a fight. Fighting with yourself, whether a verbal⁵ argument or a fist fight, would look really silly! And doing the tango by yourself might look silly too.

We often use the expression "it takes two to tango" to describe a situation, usually a difficult one, where two people or two parties are equally to blame. We also use this expression when two people or two parties are responsible for getting something done.

For example, some reforms in the United States will need both parties to come together. After all, it takes two to tango.

Sometimes we shorten⁶ this expression by leaving out the subject and say, "takes two to tango."

Here are more examples.

We need to work together on this problem, or we will never find a solution. Like the saying goes, "it takes two to tango.''

This project is too big for one person. I'll help you. Takes two to tango!

We have a similar expression. It also means that two people are involved in something. The expression "two can play at that game" means what one person does, another can do too. We use this expression to involve ourselves in the action: We are going to do the same thing that someone else is doing.

Let's say, someone plays a trick on you. They throw a balloon filled with water at you and you get soaked⁷. You shout, "Two can play at that game!" And then you throw a water balloon at them!

Usually we use this in an "I will get you back" kind of way.

Here's an example.

Look I know that you want the new job in the design department. So, I'm going to tell you something – something about Daryl.

He wants the job too, doesn't he?

Yes. And he just invited the boss to a football game.

Did he. Well, two can play at that game. I will invite the boss ... to ... karaoke night.

I don't think the boss sings.

Oh. Football karaoke?

I don't think that's a thing. But keep thinking.

Now back to our first expression – it takes two to tango. Learning a language is difficult to do alone. So, join me here again next week for another Words and Their Stories. After all, it takes two to tango!

Words in This Story

passionate – adj. having, showing or expressing strong emotions or beliefs

verbal – adj. spoken rather than written words

fist fight –n. a fight in which people hit each other with their fists

silly – adj. having or showing a lack of thought, understanding, or good judgement

soaked – adj. made completely wet

1 learning   

n.学问，学识，学习；动词learn的现在分词

参考例句：

• When you are learning to ride a bicycle,you often fall off.初学骑自行车时，常会从车上掉下来。
• Learning languages isn't just a matter of remembering words.学习语言不仅仅是记些单词的事。

2 passionate   

adj.热情的，热烈的，激昂的，易动情的，易怒的，性情暴躁的

参考例句：

• He is said to be the most passionate man.据说他是最有激情的人。
• He is very passionate about the project.他对那个项目非常热心。

3 emotionally   

adv.感情上，情绪上，冲动地

参考例句：

• a special school for emotionally disturbed children 为精神异常儿童开办的特殊学校
• A wide range of emotionally stressful events may trigger a relapse. 多种令人情绪紧张的事情都可能引起旧病复发。 来自《简明英汉词典》

4 intense   

adj.认真的，专注的；强烈的；紧张的；热情的

参考例句：

• Susan was an intense young lady.苏珊是一个热情的年轻姑娘。
• The quarrel caused her intense unhappiness.争吵令她极其不快。

5 verbal   

adj.口头的，用言辞的，用文字的，动词的

参考例句：

• Verbal statements are no guarantee.口说无凭。
• I delivered a verbal protest against their brutal acts.我对他们的暴行提出口头抗议。

6 shorten   

vt.弄短，缩小，减少

参考例句：

• Minor accidents can shorten the life of a car.小事故会缩短汽车寿命。
• My dress is too long I must shorten it.我的连衣裙太长了，我得把它截短些。

7 soaked   

adj.被湿透的，浸泡的；淋透的v.浸( soak的过去式和过去分词)

参考例句：

• He woke up soaked with sweat. 他醒了，浑身大汗淋漓。
• He soaked himself in the atmosphere of the place. 他沉浸在那一场合的气氛中。 来自《简明英汉词典》