It takes two to do something

phrase

A task or action needs two people or things to be complete or done successfully.

In tennis, it takes two to play a doubles match.
Visual representation of "it takes two to do something" - A task or action needs two people or things to be complete or done successfully.

Often appears as...

  • it takes two to quarrel
  • it takes two to tango
phrase

Two parties involved are equally responsible for a bad situation.

When a relationship fails, remember, it takes two.
Visual representation of "it takes two to do something" - Two parties involved are equally responsible for a bad situation.

Often appears as...

  • it takes two to argue
  • it takes two to fight

Usage tips

Disapproving

Idiomatic

phrase

A task or action needs two people or things to be complete or done successfully.

In tennis, it takes two to play a doubles match.
Visual representation of "it takes two to do something" - A task or action needs two people or things to be complete or done successfully.

Often appears as...

  • it takes two to quarrel
  • it takes two to tango
phrase

Two parties involved are equally responsible for a bad situation.

When a relationship fails, remember, it takes two.
Visual representation of "it takes two to do something" - Two parties involved are equally responsible for a bad situation.

Often appears as...

  • it takes two to argue
  • it takes two to fight

Usage tips

Disapproving

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "it takes two to do something"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Partnership Required

The phrase is often used when discussing activities that cannot be done alone.

Illustration for Partnership Required
Starting a business can be tough; it takes two to truly get it off the ground.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Collaborative Spirit

Implies that cooperation and working together are essential for success.

Illustration for Collaborative Spirit
For peace negotiations to work, it takes two to seriously engage.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Mutual Effort

Highlights that both parties must contribute effort or resources.

Illustration for Mutual Effort
To raise a child well, it takes two to provide love and guidance.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Partnership Required

The phrase is often used when discussing activities that cannot be done alone.

Illustration for Partnership Required
Starting a business can be tough; it takes two to truly get it off the ground.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Collaborative Spirit

Implies that cooperation and working together are essential for success.

Illustration for Collaborative Spirit
For peace negotiations to work, it takes two to seriously engage.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Mutual Effort

Highlights that both parties must contribute effort or resources.

Illustration for Mutual Effort
To raise a child well, it takes two to provide love and guidance.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Partnership Required

The phrase is often used when discussing activities that cannot be done alone.

Illustration for Partnership Required
Starting a business can be tough; it takes two to truly get it off the ground.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Collaborative Spirit

Implies that cooperation and working together are essential for success.

Illustration for Collaborative Spirit
For peace negotiations to work, it takes two to seriously engage.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Mutual Effort

Highlights that both parties must contribute effort or resources.

Illustration for Mutual Effort
To raise a child well, it takes two to provide love and guidance.
Visual representation of the word "It takes two to do something"

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