proverb · Words worth keeping
It takes two to have an argument.
It takes two to have an argument.
Historical period not yet established
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
The saying treats an argument as involving two participants. It points to interaction, but does not establish equal responsibility for the disagreement.
What the words are saying
Two identifies participation rather than measuring blame. A careful application can examine each person’s response without assuming that a person targeted by hostility caused it. The phrase should not erase differences in power, conduct or the ability to disengage.
Everyday example
A mediator looks at what each person actually did rather than dividing blame equally because both were present.
When to use it
Use it to discuss interaction without assuming equal fault.
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What it does not mean
Participation does not establish equal blame or justify hostility.
Agent-assisted editorial interpretation. This explains the words; it does not by itself verify their author or earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
- Not established
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin. - Historical period
- Historical period not yet established
No sufficiently supported historical placement has been established. Import and download dates are not treated as composition dates. - Recorded source
- Contributor-provided proverb reference
Supplied reference A; unit 84; PDF page 16
A collection's publication date can be later than the words it records.