PhrasesHub

When in Rome, do as the Romans do

    Definitions

      • adapt to local customs and culture
        When visiting a new place or interacting with a different group of people, it is important to follow their customs and traditions in order to fit in and show respect towards their way of life.

      • conform to the behavior of others
        In a new or unfamiliar situation, it is often beneficial to observe and mimic the behavior of those around you in order to blend in and avoid standing out or causing any discomfort.

      • follow the rules and norms of a particular place or group
        This phrase can also be used as a reminder to adhere to the rules and expectations of a specific place or community, even if they may be different from what one is accustomed to.

    Examples of When in Rome, do as the Romans do

    • Maria was visiting Italy for the first time and wanted to fully immerse herself in the culture. She decided to follow the idiom "When in Rome, do as the Romans do" and started learning some basic Italian phrases, trying traditional Italian dishes, and even attended a local festival.

      This idiom means that when you are in a new place, it's best to follow the customs and traditions of the locals in order to fully experience and appreciate the culture. It encourages being open-minded and adaptable to new experiences.2. Pulling out all the stops

    • The company was pulling out all the stops to impress their clients with a grand presentation. They hired a famous speaker, decorated the venue with flowers and lights, and even served gourmet food.

      This idiom means to do everything possible or to spare no effort in order to achieve a desired outcome. It's often used in situations where someone or something is going above and beyond to impress or achieve a goal.3. Let sleeping dogs lie

    • When John's friend confided in him about a secret, John realized that it was best to let sleeping dogs lie. He didn't share the secret with anyone else and kept it confidential.

      This idiom means to avoid discussing or bringing up a sensitive or potentially uncomfortable topic in order to maintain peace or avoid conflict. It's often used in situations where it's better to keep quiet and not stir up trouble.4. A picture is worth a thousand words

    • Sarah's friend sent her a photo of her new baby, and Sarah immediately replied with a message that said, "A picture is worth a thousand words. You have a beautiful baby!"

      This idiom means that a visual image can convey a lot of information or emotion without the need for words. It's often used to describe the power of photography or other visual media.5. The early bird catches the worm

    • Maria woke up early every morning to go for a run before work. She believed in the idiom "The early bird catches the worm" and wanted to start her day off on a productive note.

      This idiom means that those who are proactive and take advantage of opportunities early on will often reap the benefits. It's often used to encourage people to be punctual, organized, and prepared.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "When in Rome, do as the Romans do" is commonly used to emphasize the importance of adapting to the customs and culture of a new place or group. It is often used as a piece of advice to encourage someone to conform to the behavior and norms of those around them, in order to avoid causing any discomfort or standing out in a negative way. This phrase can also be seen as a reminder to follow the rules and expectations of a particular place or community, even if they may be different from one's own.

    Origin of "When in Rome, do as the Romans do"

    The origin of this idiom dates back to the 4th century AD, when St. Augustine of Hippo wrote in his letter to St. Jerome, "When I am at Rome, I fast on a Saturday; when I am at Milan, I do not. Follow the custom of the church where you are." This was later paraphrased and popularized as "When in Rome, do as the Romans do."

    The phrase gained widespread usage in the 19th century and has since become a popular saying, often used to encourage adaptability and flexibility in new or unfamiliar situations. It also reflects the idea of cultural relativism, emphasizing the importance of respecting and understanding different customs and ways of life.

    In modern times, the idiom is often used in a lighthearted or humorous manner, but it still carries the underlying message of the importance of adapting and conforming to the norms of a particular place or group.