Definition

Noun: 1. A street on which vehicular traffic is permitted to travel in both directions: A physical road designed to allow vehicles to move in opposite directions, typically with lanes separated by a center line. 2. A situation, relationship, or interaction that requires mutual effort, cooperation, or responsibility from all parties involved: A figurative expression emphasizing that a successful outcome depends on reciprocal action and shared contribution.

Usage Examples

• Literal Meaning:
  • Be extra cautious when parking on a two-way street.
  • The accident occurred because the driver didn't yield while turning onto the busy two-way street.
• Figurative Meaning:
  • Trust is a two-way street; you have to give it to receive it.
  • Effective communication is a two-way street involving both speaking and listening.
  • A good mentorship is a two-way street where both the mentor and the mentee learn from each other.

Advanced Usage

• The term is almost exclusively used in the singular form ("a two-way street") even when describing multiple situations.
• It is commonly preceded by verbs like "is," "should be," or "has to be" to state a principle of reciprocity.
  • Respect has to be a two-way street in any functional team.

Variants and Related Words

• One-way street (noun): Literally, a street where traffic moves in only one direction. Figuratively, a situation where effort or benefit flows in only one direction.
  • Their partnership felt like a one-way street, with only one person contributing.

Synonyms

• Mutual (adj): Felt or done by each toward the other.
  • Their success was based on mutual respect.
• Reciprocal (adj): Given, felt, or done in return.
  • They had a reciprocal agreement to help each other.
• Give-and-take (noun): The practice of compromise and cooperation.
  • Any successful marriage involves a lot of give-and-take.

Related Phrases

• To go both ways: An informal phrase with a similar meaning of reciprocity.
  • This deal needs to go both ways to be fair.

Related Idioms

• It takes two to tango: Used to suggest that an activity or situation involving two people requires the cooperation of both. This idiom is often used for conflicts or negative interactions, whereas "two-way street" is neutral or positive.
  • He blames her entirely, but it takes two to tango.

Noun

1. a street on which vehicular traffic can move in either of two directions
   • you have to look both ways crossing a two-way street