VOCABULARY - IDIOMS

When in Rome, Do as the Romans Do

Meaning:

When you visit a new place, follow the customs of the people there

Examples:

    I usually prefer eating with a fork, but when I visited Japan, I decided to embrace the local customs and use chopsticks—when in Rome, do as the Romans do. Although I typically dress casually, when attending a formal event, I make sure to wear appropriate attire—when in Rome, do as the Romans do. When I traveled to France, I made an effort to greet people with a kiss on both cheeks instead of a handshake—when in Rome, do as the Romans do. Even though I'm not a coffee drinker, I ordered an espresso at the café in Italy—when in Rome, do as the Romans do. In certain cultures, it's customary to remove your shoes when entering someone's home, so I followed that practice—when in Rome, do as the Romans do. While attending a traditional wedding ceremony in India, I joined in the customary dances and celebrations—when in Rome, do as the Romans do. I decided to try the local delicacies, like haggis, when I visited Scotland—when in Rome, do as the Romans do. Instead of relying on my GPS, I asked for directions from locals while navigating the streets of Tokyo—when in Rome, do as the Romans do. I followed the local customs and took off my hat when entering a place of worship—when in Rome, do as the Romans do. During my stay in Mexico, I embraced the siesta culture and took afternoon naps—when in Rome, do as the Romans do. Instead of driving on the right side of the road like I'm used to, I adjusted and drove on the left side in the United Kingdom—when in Rome, do as the Romans do. While visiting a remote village, I joined the community in their traditional dances and festivities—when in Rome, do as the Romans do. In certain countries, it's common to eat with your hands, so I ditched the utensils and ate using my fingers—when in Rome, do as the Romans do. I learned a few basic phrases in the local language and used them while interacting with the residents—when in Rome, do as the Romans do. Rather than insisting on my preferred time zone, I adjusted my sleep schedule to match the local time—when in Rome, do as the Romans do. I respected the local customs and covered my shoulders when entering religious sites in Southeast Asia—when in Rome, do as the Romans do. While attending a traditional tea ceremony in China, I followed the prescribed rituals and etiquette—when in Rome, do as the Romans do. I sampled the street food and indulged in the local cuisine during my visit to Thailand—when in Rome, do as the Romans do. I participated in the local festivals and joined the community in their celebrations—when in Rome, do as the Romans do. I adopted the local greeting customs and bowed instead of shaking hands when I visited Japan—when in Rome, do as the Romans do.