Rome

all roads lead to Rome there are many different ways of reaching the same goal or conclusion.

☞ This is an ancient saying which was based on the fact that Rome was the point of convergence of all the main roads of the Roman empire, and after that of the medieval pilgrimage routes through Europe. It can be compared with the medieval Latin phrase mille vie ducunt hominem per secula Romam, meaning 'a thousand roads lead a man forever towards Rome'.

fiddle while Rome burns: seefiddle.

Rome was not built in a day a complex or ambitious task is bound to take a long time and should not be rushed.

☞ This warning against rashness and impatience has been current in English since the mid 16th century.

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.