June 12, 2023
Updated over 1 year ago
This proverb means that there are some things you can't do alone. The tango is dance for two people, so you can't dance the tango alone.
The proverb comes from a 1952 song It Takes Two to Tango:
The proverb comes from a 1952 song It Takes Two to Tango:
You can sail in a ship by yourself,
Take a nap or a nip by yourself.
You can get into debt on your own.
There are lots of things that you can do alone.
But it takes two to tango, two to tango...
- It Takes Two to Tango (1952, Al Hoffman, Dick Manning and Pearl Bailey) - Check out the sources to listen to the original recording!
This proverb has many different meanings that you can apply in your daily life and relationships. There are lots of things in life that require more than one person: It takes two people to cooperate, to make a bargain or to engage in a fight. You may really want to dance with someone, but if they don't want to dance with you, it's better to move on. Similarly, if you're in a fight, consider how your own behavior might be contributing to continuing the fight. A dance isn't about being perfect, it's about being in time with your partner and enjoying the experience.
Similar proverbs from Africa:
Egyptian (Arabic):
Similar proverbs from Africa:
Egyptian (Arabic):
ايد لوحدها ماتسقفش
One hand can't clap
Swahili:
Bila mtu wa pili ugomvi hauanzi
Without a second person a quarrel cannot start
Kidole kimoja hakiuwi chawa
One finger doesn't kill a louse
