when in Rome (do as the Romans do)
when in Rome (do as the Romans do)
proverb One should do what is customary or typical in a particular place or setting, especially when one is a tourist. I know you don't normally get relish on your hot dog, but that's the thing here. When in Rome, do as the Romans do. I don't love cotton candy, but we are at a carnival. When in Rome, right?
See also: Roman, Rome
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
When in Rome(, do as the Romans do).
Prov. Behave however the people around you behave. Adapt yourself to the customs of the places you visit. Jill: Everyone in my new office dresses so casually. Should I dress that way, too? Jane: By all means. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.
See also: Rome
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
when in Rome do as the Romans do
Follow local custom, as in Kate said they'd all be wearing shorts or blue jeans to the outdoor wedding, so when in Rome-we'll do the same . This advice allegedly was Saint Ambrose's answer to Saint Augustine when asked whether they should fast on Saturday as Romans did, or not, as in Milan. It appeared in English by about 1530 and remains so well known that it is often shortened, as in the example.
See also: Roman, Rome
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
when in Rome
You say when in Rome to mean that people should follow the behaviour and habits of the people they are visiting. Everyone else seemed to be wearing these hats so I thought, when in Rome, and bought one for myself. Note: People also use the complete expression when in Rome, do as the Romans do. When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Eat late and stay up late — it doesn't make sense not to. Note: This was probably first used by St Ambrose (died 397 AD) in answer to a question about whether religious fasting should take place on the day set aside in Milan or the day used in Rome.
See also: Rome
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
when in Rome (do as the Romans do)
when abroad or in an unfamiliar environment you should adopt the customs or behaviour of those around you.This proverbial expression may ultimately derive from St Ambrose of Milan ( 397 ), who is quoted in one of St Augustine's letters as saying that when he was in Rome he fasted as they did there, on a Saturday, although when he was in Milan he did not do this. A medieval Latin saying expresses the idea as si fueris Romae, Romano vivito more; si fueris alibi, vivito sicut ibi , ‘if you are at Rome, live in the Roman manner; if elsewhere, live as they do there’.
1998 Pat Chapman 1999 Good Curry Guide Cutlery is still for wimps (though you no longer have to ask for it). But when in Rome, eat the correct way, please, using a piece of Roti to scoop up your curry, in your right hand only.
See also: Rome
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
when in ˈRome (do as the ˈRomans do)
(saying) follow the example of other people and act as they do, especially if you are a stranger or new to a place or situation: I don’t take cabs usually but it seemed to be what everyone did in the city; so I thought ‘when in Rome...’See also: Rome
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
when in Rome do as the Romans do
Follow the local customs. This old proverb supposedly comes from St. Ambrose’s answer to St. Monica and her son, St. Augustine, who asked whether they should fast on Saturday as the Romans do, or not, according to Milanese practice. Ambrose replied, “When I am here (in Milan) I do not fast Saturday, when I am in Rome, I fast on Saturday.” This Latin saying was translated into English by the fifteenth century or so and has been repeated ever since.
See also: Roman, Rome
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer
- as one door closes, another (one) opens
- as one door closes, another one opens
- as one door closes, another opens
- 1FTR
- give (someone) an inch and (someone) (will) take a mile
- give (someone) an inch and (someone) (will) take a yard
- drive (one) out of office
- force (one) out of office
- force out of office
- give (one) (one's) head