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When at Rome do as the Romans do. Audio


Meaning and origin

Meaning: This proverb means that when you are in a different place or culture, it is important to adapt to the customs and behavior of that place rather than sticking to your own ways.

Origin: This proverb is believed to have originated from the writings of Saint Ambrose in the 4th century. The full phrase is "When I am at Rome, I fast on a Saturday; when I am at Milan, I do not." It became popularized in other languages in the 16th century and is still commonly used today to emphasize the importance of adapting to different situations.