What does “When at Rome, do as the Romans do.” mean?
"When at Rome, do as the Romans do" means that when we are in a new or unfamiliar place, it is best to follow the customs and traditions of that place. It emphasizes the importance of adapting to new environments and being respectful of local culture and customs.
What context can I use the in?
Example
I know it's different here, but remember, when at Rome, do as the Romans do. It's important to respect and follow the local customs.
Example
It might seem strange to us, but when at Rome, do as the Romans do. Let's try to blend in and respect their way of doing things.
Example
We should try to fit in and respect the local customs. Remember, *when at Rome, do as the Romans do.
Is “When at Rome, do as the Romans do.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“When at Rome, do as the Romans do.” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “When at Rome, do as the Romans do.” effectively in context?
You can use "When at Rome, do as the Romans do." to emphasize the importance of adapting to new environments and being respectful of local culture and customs. For example, if you are traveling to a foreign country, you might remind someone to respect the local customs by saying, 'Remember, "when at Rome, do as the Romans do."'
- 1Travel
While visiting Japan, it's important to take off your shoes before entering someone's home. Remember, when at Rome, do as the Romans do.
- 2Work
When starting a new job, it's important to observe and follow the company's established procedures. When at Rome, do as the Romans do.
- 3Social Gatherings
If you're invited to a formal dinner, it's important to follow the etiquette of the event. When at Rome, do as the Romans do.
Similar phrases to “When at Rome, do as the Romans do.”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “When at Rome, do as the Romans do.” come from?
The origin of the phrase "When at Rome, do as the Romans do." is unknown.
Is “When at Rome, do as the Romans do.” common in everyday conversation?
"When at Rome, do as the Romans do." is a common proverb that is often used in everyday conversation. It is frequently used to remind people to adapt to new situations and respect local customs when they are in unfamiliar environments.
What tone does “When at Rome, do as the Romans do.” have?
"When at Rome, do as the Romans do." conveys a tone of advice and wisdom. It is often used to encourage people to be open-minded and respectful of different cultures and traditions.
Can “When at Rome, do as the Romans do.” be used in informal and formal settings?
"When at Rome, do as the Romans do." can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a widely recognized proverb that emphasizes the importance of cultural sensitivity and adaptability. You can use it in conversations with friends, colleagues, or even in professional settings such as presentations or meetings.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
"When at Rome, do as the Romans do." is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'It's important to respect the local customs and traditions. Remember, "when at Rome, do as the Romans do."' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the proverb even if used alone, like saying 'Remember, "when at Rome, do as the Romans do."' to imply the need to adapt to a new situation.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- adapt to the situation
- follow local customs
- blend in
- respect cultural norms
- conform to the environment
Antonyms
- stand out
- rebel against tradition
- ignore local customs
- disregard cultural norms
- refuse to adapt