When in Rome – Meaning, Origin & Usage
People use the phrase “when in Rome” so much that it’s become cliche. But it’s only one half of the whole saying, and people are rarely in Rome when they say it. So, if you’re wondering what on earth the saying means, you’ve come to the right place.
This article is going to cover what the phrase means, how the phrase originated, and how people like to use the phrase today. Let’s go.
What does the phrase “when in Rome” mean?
The idiom “when in Rome” is the short form of the full saying “When in Rome, do as the Romans do”. The expression conveys the idea that when a person is visiting a new place, they should follow the traditions of the culture that exists there.
Origins of the phrase “when in Rome”
The first printed use of this idiom can be traced back to 1777, in Interesting Letters of Pope Clement XIV. That said however, the phrase is believed to date back much further to around 383 AD when St Augustine, who originated from Africa was offered a job in Milan. At the time, many of Christianity’s customs and observances were not settled into an international pattern, and Augustine was unsure of when to fast. Aurelius Ambrosius, the Bishop Ambrose of Milan – advised him: “When you’re in Rome, then live in Roman fashion; when
you’re elsewhere, then live as they live there.”
Modern examples of the saying in use today
People often use the phrase in situations when a person is a tourist or a newbie at a new, and perhaps exotic destination with different customs, in order to encourage them to try out new things. It’s about adapting to the situation you find yourself in and appropriating the behaviour of those around you.
Here are some examples of the phrase in use:
- “In Spain, they take a siesta in the afternoon. When in Rome, do as the Romans do and enjoy a midday nap”.
- “You might not be used to eating with your hands, but when in Rome…”
How to use “when in Rome” today
While it’s always valuable to understand the culture and traditions of wherever you happen to be, you should never be coerced into doing anything you don’t want to do. I say this because the phrase has been known to be used by people who use peer pressure against others to carry out illegal activities and/or engage in dangerous or risky behaviour.
Examples of “when in Rome” in literature
You may be interested to know that there are several books titled When in Rome, from authors:
- Ngaio Marsh, published 1970
- Sarah Adams, published 2022
- Liam Callanan, published 2023
Final word
So, to summarise, the idiom “when in Rome” is the short form of the full saying “When in Rome, do as the Romans do”. It’s an encouragement for a person who is visiting a new place, to follow the traditions of the culture that exists there. However, you should think critically and consider whether you want to imitate the behaviour of others if you deem it to be risky.
