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It takes two to tango is a common idiomatic expression which suggests something in which more than one person or other entity are paired in an inextricably-related and active manner, occasionally with negative connotations.〔Hirsch, Eric. (2002). ( ''The new dictionary of cultural literacy,'' p. 52, )〕 The tango is a dance which requires two partners moving in relation to each other, sometimes in tandem, sometimes in opposition.〔Howell, Anthony. ( "Tango with an axe to grind," ) ''The Times Literary Supplement.'' April 19, 2006.〕 The meaning of this expression has been extended to include any situation in which the two partners are by definition understood to be essential—as in, a marriage with only one partner ceases to be a marriage. ==History== The phrase originated in a song, ''Takes Two to Tango'', which was written and composed in 1952 by Al Hoffman and Dick Manning. The lyrics and melody were popularized by singer Pearl Bailey's 1952 recording.〔Mieder, Wolfgang. (1997). ( The Politics of Proverbs: From Traditional Wisdom to Proverbial Stereotypes,'' p. 125. )〕 The phrase was reported widely in the international media when Ronald Reagan quipped about Russian-American relations during a 1982 presidential news conference.〔 Reagan stated: "For ten years détente was based on words by them (Russians ) and not any words to back them up. And we need some action that they — it takes two to tango — that they want to tango also." 〔"Transcript of President's News Conference on Foreign and Domestic Affairs," ''New York Times.'' November 12, 1982.〕 Since that time, the tango metaphor has appeared regularly in the headline of the international press. The phrase has gained currency as a proverb in loan translation in other languages.〔 This expression has become a familiar proverbial expression; and it has also found its way into American legal writing, as in: * "It takes at least two to tango for conspiracy purposes." -- ''US v. Villasanor,'' 894 F.2d 1422 (5th Cir. 1990).〔Brooks, Peter. (1998). ( ''Law's Stories,'' p. 185. )〕 * "This is a situation where it takes more than two to tango," -- ''Gant v. Aliquippa Borough,'' 612 F.Supp. 1139 (W.D. Penn. 1985).〔 More generally in instances involving a dubious transaction, like a bribe, conventional wisdom in America and in the United Kingdom presumes that if one is guilty, both are.〔Partridge, Eric. ( ''A Dictionary of Catch Phrases,'' p. 255. )〕 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Takes two to tango (idiom)」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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