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  • When in Rome, do as the Romans do
    When in Rome, do as the Romans do
    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.
  • when in Rome do as the Romans do
    when in Rome do as the Romans do
    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.

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.


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.


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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In short, people who are concerned about double standards, as well as Solo herself, should consider the wisdom of the old saying: When in Rome, do as the Romans do.

From New York Times Aug. 30, 2016

When in Rome do as the Romans do.

From Working With the Working Woman by Parker, Cornelia Stratton

The travelers added another rock, on the principle of, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do."

From Mormon Settlement in Arizona A Record of Peaceful Conquest of the Desert by McClintock, James H.

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