This is a download from BBC Learning English.

To find out more, visit our website.

The English we speak.

From BBC Learning English. Hello and welcome to the English we speak.

I'm Neil and joining me is Faye. Hi there. In this

program we've got an expression that means two people are involved in a tricky

situation and both must accept blame and responsibility.

Neil, what on earth are you doing?

Dancing!

Yes, I can see that, but on your own, you look pretty ridiculous if you don't mind my saying?

Well, Faye, that's because it takes two to tango.

Yes, it does take two to tango and that is our expression for this program.

But the meaning's not as simple as you might think.

Let's listen to some examples and then explain a little more.

The ref should have sent both plays off. I know Smith kicked Cooper, but it takes two to tango.

Everyone blames Charlie for their breakup, but Lizzy it was just as bad.

It takes two to tango.

They should arrest the dodgy agent as well as the manager.

After all, it takes two to Tango.

This is BBC Learning English.

So, as you can see, it takes two to tango is used to talk about bad or difficult situations.

Yes it's used to say that two people not just, are responsible for that bad situation.

...