When in Rome, do as the Romans do

Cultural  

1. When visiting a foreign land, follow the customs of those who live in it. It can also mean that when you are in an unfamiliar situation, you should follow the lead of those who know the ropes.

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when in Rome do as the Romans do Idioms  

1. Follow local custom, as in Kate said they'd all be wearing shorts or blue jeans to the outdoor wedding, so when in Rome—we'll do the same. This advice allegedly was Saint Ambrose's answer to Saint Augustine when asked whether they should fast on Saturday as Romans did, or not, as in Milan. It appeared in English by about 1530 and remains so well known that it is often shortened, as in the example.

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Example Sentences

“You know the old saying: ‘When in Rome, do as the Romans do.’

From Literature

Or to put it another way: When in Rome, do as the Romans do.

From Washington Post

“When in Rome, do as the Romans do,” Dave Feinberg, owner of Cutters Edge, a knife-sharpening business, since 1995, told NJ.com.

From Fox News

“When in Rome, do as the Romans do. When in North Carolina, do as the governor says.”

From The Guardian

“When in Rome, do as the Romans do,” has lost its meaning.

From New York Times