Idiom Origins - When in Rome, do as the Romans do - History of When in Rome, do as the Romans do

When in Rome, do as the Romans do

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

When in Rome, do as the Romans do

Modify one’s behaviour and manners in accordance with local practice. This saying was coined by St Ambrose (c. 340-397 AD) when he wrote, “Si fueris Romae, Romano vivito more”, which when translated from the Latin means, ‘When you are in Rome live in the Roman style.’ Apparently, this was his advice to St Augustine of Hippo who was about to visit Rome.