Learn English meaning of 'it takes two to tango'

Intro

1. Learn Vocabulary - Learn some new vocabulary before you start the lesson.

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• never mind
• none of your business
• past
• on speaking terms

• it takes two to tango
• ages
• wrong
• right

• ex
• hard

2. Read and Prepare - Read the introduction and prepare to hear the audio.

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What’s the best way to relax after a long week? Dancing, of course! When you dance, you forget your problems. You feel alive. Can a person dance alone? Of course! But many people prefer dancing with others. You can dance in big groups and small groups, but remember that it takes two to tango.

The tango is an Argentinian dance for two people, but this English expression means something more. Saying that it takes two to tango means that when two people are involved in a situation, both are responsible.

If two cars hit on the street, both drivers should make sure that everyone is OK. If two people are arguing, they should both try to end the argument. It really doesn’t matter which driver made the mistake or which person started the fight. Since it takes two to tango, both people should try to fix the situation.

Marni says that both Gary and Jessica should work on their friendship. Read on in today’s English lesson about sharing responsibility.

3. Watch - Watch the video without reading the dialog.

Dialog

1. Listen and Read - Listen to the audio and read the dialog at the same time.

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2. Study - Read the dialog again to see how the vocab words are used.

Marni

Gary

Marni:  Have you seen Jessica lately? It’s been ages since I’ve seen her.

Gary:  She’s been really busy lately.

Marni:  Is she enjoying being Juliet in “Romeo and Juliet?”

Gary:  I don’t really know. The last time I saw Jessica it didn’t go very well. I feel like I always say the wrong thing.

Marni:  You know, it takes two to tango. Does Jessica always say the right thing?

Gary:  I guess not. It’s just hard when I start thinking about how our relationship ended.

Marni:  I’m sure it is. You two aren’t ever going to tell what happened between you, are you?

Gary:  Uh… well…

Marni:  Never mind. It’s none of my business.

Gary:  I will say this: we both made mistakes. Like you said, it takes two to tango.

Marni:  It does! When I think about some of my past relationships…

Gary:  What do you mean?

Marni:  I’m not even on speaking terms with some of my exes.

Gary:  Really? That makes me feel better. Jessica and I talk, at least.

Marni:  You know, I think you two are going to be just fine.

 

Grammar Point

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Lesson MP3

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