The phrase, When in Rome, do as the Romans do, means that we should behave according to the customs of wherever we are. If one visits America, one should tip after eating in a restaurant. If one is in France, one should kiss people on the cheeks when saying goodbye, etc. The saying can also talk about the customs of a city, an organization, or even a group of friends, meaning, “do what the people around you are doing.”
People usually say this when they decide to do something that they would not normally do, while in a strange place. You might say this if you travel and decide to eat a strange local food. Or you could say this if you go to a nude beach and take off your clothes in public for the first time.
The idea was first expressed in Latin, by St. Ambrose, in the 4th Century AD, talking about his visit to Rome. Many people echoed the idea and the English phrase became well known by the 17th century, when it was used by famous English authors, including Henry Porter and Robert Burton.
The saying is so cliché, that nobody says the whole thing anymore, but usually only “when in Rome . . .”, knowing that listeners will think of the whole saying.
But if you are not familiar with this expression, don’t worry: you are in good company!
More Examples of “When in Rome” Used in a Sentence
- We strongly believe in “when in Rome,” so our menu would be mostly Italian.
- I order margaritas, (when in Rome, right?), dance, and polka home at 3am, wearing a sombrero.
- Take the opportunity to do as the Romans do and be sure to order Italian wine when you’re at a restaurant.
- When in Rome, do as the Romans do and enjoy yourself.
- When in Rome, rave as the Romans rave. .