What does “When in Rome, do as the Romans do” mean?
"When in Rome, do as the Romans do" means that when you are in a different place or culture, it is best to follow the customs and traditions of that place.
What context can I use the in?
Example
I always try to remember the saying, When in Rome, do as the Romans do, when I travel to new countries.
Example
It's important to respect and adapt to local customs, so When in Rome, do as the Romans do.
Example
Even though it may be different from what I'm used to, I believe in the principle of When in Rome, do as the Romans do
Is “When in Rome, do as the Romans do” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“When in 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 in Rome, do as the Romans do” effectively in context?
You can use "When in Rome, do as the Romans do" to emphasize the importance of adapting to the customs and traditions of a different place or culture. It suggests that it is best to follow the behavior and practices of the locals in order to show respect and avoid causing offense. For example, if you are invited to a traditional tea ceremony in Japan, you might say, 'I don't usually drink tea, but "when in Rome, do as the Romans do",' and participate in the ceremony.
- 1Travel
When visiting a foreign country, it's important to remember When in Rome, do as the Romans do and respect the local customs and traditions.
- 2Work
When starting a new job, it's a good idea to observe the company culture and do as the Romans do to fit in with your colleagues.
- 3Social Gatherings
If you're attending a formal event with specific etiquette rules, it's best to do as the Romans do and follow the expected behavior.
Similar phrases to “When in Rome, do as the Romans do”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “When in Rome, do as the Romans do” come from?
The origin of the phrase "When in Rome, do as the Romans do" can be traced back to the 4th century. It is often attributed to Saint Ambrose, who advised Saint Augustine to adapt to the customs and practices of the local people when he arrived in Milan. The phrase gained popularity and has since become a well-known proverb.
Is “When in Rome, do as the Romans do” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do" is a commonly used proverb in everyday conversation. It is often used to remind people to adapt to their surroundings and respect local customs when they are in a different place or culture.
What tone does “When in Rome, do as the Romans do” have?
"When in Rome, do as the Romans do" conveys a tone of practicality and cultural sensitivity. It encourages individuals to be open-minded and willing to embrace the customs and traditions of the place they are in.
Can “When in Rome, do as the Romans do” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "When in Rome, do as the Romans do" is considered a formal expression. It is commonly used in professional settings, such as business meetings or international conferences, to emphasize the importance of cultural adaptation. However, it can also be used in informal conversations to convey the same message.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
The phrase is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'I didn't understand the local customs at first, but then I remembered "When in Rome, do as the Romans do".' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "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
- conform to the norm
- respect cultural practices
Antonyms
- do your own thing
- ignore local customs
- rebel against tradition
- disregard cultural norms
- stand out
