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'.

1998Pat Chapman1999 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.