it takes two/it takes two to tango

[GUEST2008]

Hello

It takes two AND It takes two to tango. Are both these expressions used? Is one of them more common?

[billmcd]

Hello

It takes two AND It takes two to tango. Are both these expressions used? Is one of them more common?

I have heard/read both.

[emsr2d2]

The full expression is "It takes two to tango". However, the expression is so well-known and used that it is frequently shortened to "It takes two" and it is assumed that the listener will get the gist without the final two words.

[Rover_KE]

Unfortunately for ESL students, we commonly truncate common idioms, proverbs, clichés etc, expecting listeners to finish them for themselves.

A: 'So many people have given me their advice I just don't know what to do.'

B: 'That's your problem: too many cooks....'

A: 'I'll just have to wait and see what happens.'

B: 'That'll be best. Don't count your chickens....'

Doesn't this happen in other languages?

Rover